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Acquaintance Quote by Herman Melville

“The further our civilization advances upon its present lines so much the cheaper sort of thing does "fame" become, especially of the literary sort. This species of "fame" a waggish acquaintance says can be manufactured to order, and sometimes is so manufactured.” quote by Herman Melville
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“The further our civilization advances upon its present lines so much the cheaper sort of thing does "fame" become, especially of the literary sort. This species of "fame" a waggish acquaintance says can be manufactured to order, and sometimes is so manufactured.”

Herman Melville

About This Quote

Source Book: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, 1851

As society progresses, fame, especially literary fame, becomes cheap and can be artificially created.

In simple terms: Fame becomes easy to manufacture in a modern world.

Key Takeaway

Beware of superficial fame.

Themes

culture literature authenticity

Mood

cynical reflective

Type

critical observational

When to use this quote

  • publishing industry
  • social media
  • career advancement
  • personal branding

Key Concepts

celebrity manufactured reputation social value

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does manufactured fame affect personal fulfillment?
  • What value does genuine achievement hold?
A Different Perspective

Fame may lack depth and lasting impact.

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