What do Kim Kardashian, Tom Cruise, and Mother Teresa have in common?
They are all famous.
But famous for what? What classifies someone as famous?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, ‘famous’ is defined as: “known about by many people” while ‘fame’ is defined as: “the condition of being known or talked about by many people, esp. on account of notable achievements”.
Let’s start with Kim Kardashian. What in the h-e-double-toothpicks is so special about her? Where did she come from and how in the heck did she get to be so known about by many people? What has she contributed to society? What are her notable achievements?
Tom Cruise – this one is a bit easier. Jockey-shorts-dancing ’80’s teen heart-throb turned action-star turned couch-jumper turned questionable. He certainly mastered the talked about by many people portion of fame and now with his current situation the conversation continues.
Mother Teresa would appear to epitomize the Oxford definitions of both ‘famous’ and ‘fame’. Her name known by all, both pre and posthumously, she embodied goodness and faith in humanity. Her notable achievements are innumerable. Her effect on society continues beyond her life. A legacy of hope, love, compassion and fortitude.
So, the next time someone asks: Do you want to be famous? Before answering, define what fame means to you.
For me, if famous means that I have attained my fame based on achievements that leave a legacy for the benefit of mankind; that I have contributed to society in a positive and lasting way; and that I am known about by many people because of those acts, then the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’.
Do you want to be famous? What does fame mean for you?
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Embracing Pollyanna 
Mother Teresa is one of my heroes and an inspiration to me and probably many, but unfortunately, too many aspire to be more like Kim Kardashian. ( in all honesty I don’t know what she is famous for except for being famous) This is a problem in our society but easily understood. Mother Teresa was a stellar human who gave her all to others but her life was hard work. Kim gives her all to herself I suppose, and her life is considerably easier…but I’m sure Mother Teresa will be remembered and Kim….well…who knows? and Tom? well,he jumped Oprah’s couch and certainly Oprah will remember him but then who inspires Oprah? Tom, Kim or Teresa? I think we all know the answer to that one.
Well said. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.