Fame, they tell you, is air; but without air there is no life for any; without fame there is none for the best

Fame, they tell you, is air; but without air there is no life for any; without fame there is none for the best

Walter Savage Landor, a renowned English writer and poet, once famously said, “Fame, they tell you, is air; but without air there is no life for any; without fame there is none for the best.” This profound statement sheds light on the importance of recognition and acknowledgment in the life of an individual, especially for those who strive for excellence in their respective fields.

In the context of Landor’s own life and work, it is evident that he valued fame and recognition for his literary achievements. Landor was known for his poetry, prose, and critical essays, and he gained a reputation as a talented and influential writer during his lifetime. His works were highly regarded by his contemporaries and continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers today.

For Landor, fame was not just a superficial desire for attention or validation; it was a means of ensuring that his work would be remembered and appreciated for generations to come. In a sense, fame was a form of immortality for him, a way of ensuring that his legacy would endure long after he was gone.

Moreover, Landor’s statement also speaks to the idea that fame is not just a personal ambition, but a societal construct that can elevate the best and brightest among us. In a world where talent and hard work often go unrecognized, fame can be a powerful tool for shining a spotlight on those who deserve it most.

However, it is important to note that fame is not the only measure of success or worth. Landor himself valued integrity, creativity, and passion in addition to fame, and he believed that true greatness could only be achieved through a combination of these qualities.