Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Human achievements are temporary and fade away like dreams.
In plain terms
Great things people do do not last.
What can you take from it?
Do not rely on fame for lasting meaning.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on success
  • seeking legacy
  • accepting decline

Putting it to work

  • focus on character over fame
  • document values not achievements

Questions to consider

  • What remains when fame fades?
  • How do you define greatness?

Another view

Some human impacts like laws or art do endure beyond lifetimes.

More from John (dramatist) Ford

  1. The joys of marriage are the heaven on earth, Life's paradise, great princess, the soul's quiet, Sinews of concord, earthly immortality, Eternity of pleasures;…

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. Revenge proves its own executioner.

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. Green indiscretion, flattery of greatness, Rawness of judgement, wilfulness in folly, Thoughts vagrant as the wind, and as uncertain.

    Permalink to quote #14

Related quotes

  1. But Argos can do without the house of Atreus. Ancient houses are not eternal.

    Constantine P. CavafyConstantine P. Cavafy quote #1
  2. The whole Earth is the Sepulchre of famous men; and their story is not graven only on Stone over their native earth, but lives on far away, without visible sym…

    PericlesPericles quote #3
  3. 'When I go let it be like James Dean, I don't want to die slow.'

    Ralston BowlesRalston Bowles quote #4