Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wen Tzu - Verse 154, Part III

from Verse One Hundred Fifty-Four
The Way of Nature is spoiled by those who contrive, lost by those who try to grasp. Look at those who want to have a great reputation and therefore seek and struggle for it: we see they cannot stop themselves, but even if they gain it by grasping, it does not stay.
~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~
In reading the above passage, I immediately thought of Jerry Springer, Dr. Phil and the plethora of "reality TV" shows!

We live in a world today in which too many people want to be noticed by claiming their ten minutes of fame. People will go to such lengths to be counted as a transitory celebrity; often debasing themselves in front of cameras and microphones.

Yet, almost as soon as their "star" rises, it fizzles. In no time at all, they become has-beens. Their so-called fame turns out to be a fleeting illusion and they are forced to return to their humdrum existence.

In trying so hard to become a someone, they seal their own fate as a nobody.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.

1 comment:

  1. "In trying so hard to become a someone, they seal their own fate as a nobody."
    I love the paradox! lol

    ReplyDelete

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