"When you think about future fame, you imagine that you assure yourselves a kind of immortality. But, if you consider the infinite extent of eternity, what satisfaction can you have about the power of your name to endure?" (Boethius p. 38)
The entire paragraph this quote comes from really grabbed my attention. In essence, it says that fame only lasts for a very short amount of time - then it is gone. It has no lasting impact in eternity. Having a large number of followers on Twitter won't matter. Having millions of fans won't matter. Fame does not last.
In class, we wondered if this meant that none of the things we do matter - but I don't think that's what this passage is saying. It goes on to state that, "Finite things can be compared, but no comparison is possible between the infinite and the finite" (Boethius p. 38). Fame is finite - it will not last. Finite things are insignificant in infinity. The things we do that have an eternal impact are what will last. For us, things like fame will have no eternal impact. When we are in the presence of God, no one will ask us how famous we were. Only the things we do here to follow and serve God will be important in eternity.
P.S. I commented on Joshua Spell's post.
P.P.S. I really love this book!!!
Take a look at Ecclesiastes. Chapter 1 verse 2 says, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." According to Ecclesiastes, everything is meaningless under the sun. However, what is decided holds true meaning is what lies beyond the finite things we are surrounded by.
ReplyDeleteAnd even if you are remembered and famous, it is only a skewed version of you anyway. I think we can agree that George Washington was an important historical figure. His legacy has lived on. However, When we think of George Washington, do we really know his inward character, or just the major events of his life? His true character is lost in the history books. Even when people are remembered, it does not rightfully represent the true character of that person.