The Problem of Fame

It sounds so nice to be famous - from afar. But from closer up, there might be a range of problems that make anonymity preferable. This is a film for recovering fame addicts (there are quite a few of us out there...).
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[@dtd1986]

I hate how the famous are presented as being 'more' or 'better than' regular people. It shows how we don't value people for who they are as human beings - we value people for their status. But in reality it's the being first and foremost that has value - so a person can have value whether they are 'famous' or just a 'regular person'. The famous are just human beings like everyone else - they are not special or 'better than'. This is a much better way of looking at life.

[@kesalawheeler]

They are special however you are right! They are no better

[@dajjukunrama5695]

Yes, I think the clout chasing and “all publicity is good publicity” mindset is horrible but it’s up to us to stop this rampant individualism because when you study your history, you’ll find that people were happier when everyone valued family, because nobody made you doubt it was the way forward... it’s now like we’re trees that are being convinced to wither

[@youbian]

@@dajjukunrama5695 Are you saying even fame has become politically incorrect?

[@dajjukunrama5695]

@@youbian au contraire dear contraption profile picture, fame today would be predicated on “pol correctness”, there of course is exceptions, Ricky Gervais comes to mind but he’s still done nothing with his life except entertainment maybe charity but I wouldn’t know every celeb’s philantropic endeavors, it’s pointless drivel in the end, another way to live vicariously through them.

[@djtrakakadrunkpoet8598]

Right right . Like they’re all of the sudden invisible

[@lonrot]

And the worst is that you won't be necessarily rich.

[@imJaylyn]

you literally upload only once a month, no shit your not gonna be rich

[@theobserver314]

Not all fame shall bring wealth nor wealth shall bring fame...

[@Blazemoth]

Que haces aquí fred? XD but for real, i never understood why would anyone want fame just to fill their existential emptiness, the praising of famous people shouldn't be a thing.

[@filmsquad8914]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpqZk5xth9lrj5I lol

[@nekozombie]

you channel makes me want to disappear

[@sliceofbread29yrago52]

I think fame has far more underlining hidden problems than solutions. We see these so called celebrities having a great time, but I can assure you this is only for the cameras. Deep down there hunger for answers remains the same.

[@user-mw4qi1kx3o]

you are a wise one.

[@adarshgaurav1124]

@@user-mw4qi1kx3o yes because he is plato

[@ViaMirage]

Before, television work was seen more as another job. A great job, but it wasn’t worshipped the way it is today. It wasn’t the absolute goal of life that some people have. And that’s pretty obvious by how many homeless there are in LA. People lose their minds. 😐😐

[@JustDevon]

I'd really hate to be famous. I'm introverted and I enjoy my privacy, being famous would kill that.

[@hacker-7214]

Some people are famouse and they dont get hate like Bill gates or Emma watson. I guess being famous mostly pays off. Btw keep making these videos, love them

[@osmmso8273]

iXbeXy I think it depends on how and why you get the fame, bill gates and emma watson kind of "accidentally" became famous or at least it wasn't their sole desire and focus. You can tell the difference between people like that and people like the x factor contestants or reality stars who just want attention and have no particular skill

[@blackninja4108]

JSR Devon amen

[@theobserver314]

I respect that...JSR

[@ericscott4035]

I agree with you on that one but there is no need to scared of it. I tried to let the past go but sadly I can’t. Life is cruel. God knows exactly what to do about it. Satan only cares about himself. Pride is the only thing that drove my big brother insane.

[@yasashii89]

My girlfriends brother is "famous". Every time I have to meet him there's people wanting autographs, pictures taken with him, even paying for his meals (which makes zero sense, the dudes loaded). He cannot catch a break. My girlfriend's told me that secretly he's a very lonely and depressed person without any real friends, people like him for his fame and money, nobody could care less about who he really is as a person. And you know what he does? He kicks a ball around a field. That's it. People kiss his ass, put him on TV commercials and almost worship him as a god for kicking a ball around a field... What about the people who are out there risking their lives for others? Where's their fame and respect? Instead you hear about people throwing rocks at ambulances and fire trucks, even trying to set them on fire in some cases. We live in a sick world.

[@pierzing.glint1sh76]

+yasashii89 which famous footballer is it??? He'll be rich though so that makes it better to an extent right? :)

[@yasashii89]

***** proof of what? lol

[@yasashii89]

***** Peoples expectations and standards will sooner than later start to match up, hence they take it for granted. People always want something more that they don't already have. A year and a half ago I moved into one of the most up-scale high rise condos in Osaka. It was all cool and gimmicky for the first 2 weeks then I just took it for granted and didn't care. Kind of like how people felt when they first got smartphones.

[@SPAZ]

+yasashii89 Who is he?

[@AbdulazizUgas]

+yasashii89 good point

[@masonbrown9155]

One of my favorite lines from Birdman: "Popularity is just the slutty little cousin of Prestige."

[@CanisLupusSteparium]

Jeffery Lebowski I concur, your dudeness.

[@neanam]

+Mason Brown which birdman said that?

[@masonbrown9155]

neanam m wut

[@TressonKaru]

+Mason Brown there's birdman the cartoon n birdman the movie that came recently. I'm sure you're talking about the movie.

[@GreenGretel]

Hated that movie, but that was a good line.

[@arvj123]

The singer Sia is aware of this, that's why she often hides her face during performances. :)

[@alexiacencini1597]

not any more

[@MickeyCastro]

I thought it was just a gimmick to get people to talk about her.

[@BroJo676]

The issue I have with this is that her face can be found on the internet.

[@hj-kx8jr]

She hides her face becuase she’s almost 50

[@morelio7985]

@@hj-kx8jr theres older and more prominent celebrities than her who do not hide ...

[@Dominis.]

Sleep is good, death is better; but of course, the best thing would to have never been born at all. - Heinrich Heine

[@TheEccentricLad]

Dominis "You may look upon life as an unprofitable episode disturbing the blessed calm of non-existence" - Arthur Schopenhauer.

[@aliensoldier5124]

TheEccentricLad "Why do you fear death when you wouldn't be consciousness of it or you would be in The Kingdom of God" -Me

[@Dominis.]

GVStudios Bad day m8? Just because someone has a nihilist perspective doesn't mean they will kill themselves. Everything is pointless... which means suicide is also pointless. Nothing matters. Existence is pointless so why do anything? Also, why not do something? The thing is... I can do whatever I want and not care... because it's pointless. I can create my own egoistic morals and live just because I can. I might kill myself one day, but I'll die anyway... so yea. Why? Why not? lol I don't know. I might care. I might not... The important question here is (at least it might be important for someone) ... Why do you care? Your everyday experience might have an answer hence my question: Bad day m8?

[@gvstudios6038]

Dominis See, the difference between you and me is that I have self-respect. A nihilist cannot have self-respect, since he does not believe in values (since some values are better, some worse, and that would require meaningful preference). You are the exact opposite of me. I'm a rational egoist. I see around me an objective reality that needs no further "purpose" to it. My own happiness is the purpose of my life, and since I have self-respect, I consider that a worthy goal. I wish others would also live this way, for their own sake and for mine. Nihilism is a non-philosophy. Values are not something that are arbitrary. They actually exist, like mathematical equations, and are essential to human life just as air and water are. A truly consistent nihilist does not recognize values, and would therefore have to commit suicide. Trying to live in a way of your describing is not possible, just as life without food or air would not be. So to answer your question; any day with a nihilist is a bad day. They are self-loathing, miserable people who do not understand objective reality, or the nature of values. They have a fundamentally anti-real attitude towards the universe. They are worse mystics than religious believers. Nihilism is, in a nutshell, factually incorrect.

[@Dominis.]

GVStudios​ The difference is that I do not need self respect really...(or do I? I'm typing this to prove something. Maybe I just want to clarify my opinion? Meh... A true nihilist would not even comment. This is exactly why I'm typing) Of course I create some day-to-day values, but do I really believe myself and my experience? Not really. I can agree that some things make sense, but can I really say: "Yes, this is the truth and everyone should follow it." No. We might even have same opinions at the moment or hold same values. But can I guarantee my opinion won't change? Can I guarantee what I think now or will think later is "true"? Why bother fighting for something if there is no guarantee my values are true? I'm really not afraid of losing any values or changing my opinion. I don't even care for the opinion that I'm giving here right now. It's just another step. Maybe towards nowhere. Maybe back? Maybe foreward? I can't really tell. Changing opinion might lead nowhere. This opinion that I'm typing with atm is also egoism btw. There is no escaping yourself. Which is exactly why I'm escaping myself and creating myself in a new way again and again.(By doing this I am becoming the changing person itself.) Always changing. Not taking anything for granted. I can be miserable. I can hate myself. I can do whatever I want. I just can't currently escape this scepticism. It's never a 100% when I judge something. I can claim something but never be quite sure. From all of this... Do you believe me when I say: "I can't trust anyone and not even myself. I can only assume my experience is true-ish and deal with it in any way I want/can." Don't judge unsecure people. They already do that quite often to themselves. Also, I must thank you for this really fun typing game. It made me a bit less miserable since it made me question myself again. A true nihilist can... Do whatever. He might even starve to death by not doing anything. There is no escaping doing something. Even by death you are acting with an assumption. I'll just end this here. I have an exam tomorrow that is supposed to be of some value. I hope I'll find out. For further information I recommend a bit of: Max Stirner (but for some reason I believe you already know something about him)

[@LambertBowden56]

One thing I notice about people who LOVE celebrities... they would hate them in a second for doing something so petty. They invest all this reverence into someone who disappoints them and their love turns to hatred overnight.

[@QBert904]

I never knew how much I needed this video. I’m not one for sob stories but to put it lightly I had a rough childhood, being adopted at a young age and not finding out until much later (even though the whole time I wondered why I felt so out of place). Then one day I heard Green Day and decided then that I wanted to be a musician. I loved music, I loved making music, and I loved performing music, so being famous seemed like a normal thing for musicians to think about and strive for. That’s when I started thinking about it often, and eventually convinced myself that I NEEDED to make it; like that was my destiny, and if I didn’t I’d be a failure. Many years and many bands later, I’ve come to realize what being famous really means. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and if it’s really as hectic and vicious as it seems, maybe THIS dog isn’t cut out for that. I’d rather just release music independently, and more for my own enjoyment.

[@aidanbishopmusic8056]

As I read this comment I could have sworn I wrote it myself for the most part. I came across Green Day and I discovered what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a musician, sing, play guitar and perform. I thought fame was what I had to do to make it. Got a qualification for music performance and production, and for the past few years that's all I've been doing. Making music and releasing it. But honestly I don't think the pursuit of fame and success is that worth it. I'm an introvert, I like my privacy and I don't think I could ever cope with a spotlight on me all the time. I'll still make music and all that good stuff, but I don't want to be focusing all my energy on getting fans and streams, money & success. I'd rather a quiet and normal life. I never thought I'd say that to be honest but yeah

[@LambertBowden56]

Once you're in the spotlight, your actions are there for EVERYONE to see... good or bad. You do something fucked up ( None of us are perfect) Everyone will see and remember.

[@motionmarketer4762]

Most famous people have a thick skin otherwise they wouldn't be able to take in the hatred fr so many people and quit as early as they could after their first criticism.

[@marquamfurniture]

Some are predisposed towards disillusion, depression, Narcissism, and mental illness. As a nut case myself, it would kill me!

[@DJess95]

What if the criticism is actually justified? An "haters gonna hate" type of attitude would just be a cognitive wall for true understanding.

[@gu3sswh075]

Manuel De Jesús what if the opposite happens. The "haters" never face any consequences for anything they say..

[@channelfive7883]

@@DJess95 People have thick skin. Everyone does since everyone gets hate in their lives.

[@Nif3]

I think it's common for us to imagine fame and glory as a product of success and hard work, but that's a skewed end-goal that doesn't provide the individual with the necessary motivation and hindsight to actually make it there -- rather there must be an understanding that instead of the former, most people become famous as a result of their earnest hard work which they've dedicated out of love for their craft. Excellent video as always.

[@nathanmacaulay3661]

***** Just want to say...I think this is interesting. However, I thought I'd add in that a lot of what makes certain people famous, especially quite often these days, is not hard work. It's just circumstance. It really depends; a lot of the world's hard-working famous people had circumstance play into their hands, while a lot of others just get lucky with a viral KZbin video, and are famous for only 15 minutes. "In the future everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes." - Andy Warhol

[@ayetayaylor]

Very true as people desire fame when the own life is not going very well. But when things are good they are perfectly content with where they are.

[@ayetayaylor]

ayetayaylor fame is also scary because there is no going back.

[@channelfive7883]

@@ayetayaylor Who cares?

[@ZiplineShazam]

"Only a stupid and unenlightened society would create the need for celebrities." -Albert d. Xavier

[@ViaMirage]

Celebrities are a form of replacement for god. Before there was mostly only religion in which god was the celeb. Now it’s just random humans. Unsurprising. 😐

[@doefagtohd]

Yes certainly,blind followers of clelebrities

[@doefagtohd]

Sad how many people follow less beneficial things, then things like save the animals will be less noticed ☹️

[@hijodelaisla275]

@@ViaMirage and royalty

[@ViaMirage]

@@hijodelaisla275 Royals are a form of celebrity

[@juaninamillion5864]

"Never perform for the applause"

[@AhmetCemCoskun]

***** You guys should make a video about him.And Hegel. And Kant. And Spinoza.

[@blackninja4108]

Fame = a lot of people u dont know Knowing who u r Nothing more

[@mitjakocjancic2205]

I'd rather just be rich.

[@Luis360Absotol]

Yah people will think your a greedy person....... thats the negative

[@mitjakocjancic2205]

Livwen Absotol small price to pay. Fuck them.

[@mitjakocjancic2205]

***** thanks for the correction.

[@PasswordHackerz]

+Mitja Kocjancic What will it bring you a part from a house and fill basic needs? Materialism won't help you a single bit. It is the same validiation-seeking behaviour as fame when buying a nice car, flashy clothes, etc. Money will help you in a small way - better doctors, less stress and fill basic needs - but other than that?

[@tiagom.804]

+Mitja Kocjancic Let's be honest, we all want money nowadays. The world is going through big changes and because of that, we just wanna be safe and live our lives. Wishing to be rich is not bad, the problem is when you give up your health, friends and self respect for it.

[@SpicyMcG]

Woah, that's me at 2:20! I didn't know I was in the video so seeing my face pop up was a shocker. :)

[@RalphTGP]

Hope you are feeling a little happier now...

[@JohnDoe-mv1sm]

Y u crie?

[@willywanker6239]

Nathan Boone shes ill...

[@zaboza2011]

mr. PlaylistMaker what's the matter with her?

[@twistsnkicks]

Uh oh, you're famous now...

[@craiginzana]

The idea that younger generations are more obsessed with fame because they are not treated with respect is very true. Think about how much disrespect you're thrown into at an early age just because you're young and naive; all it does is make one want to prove those people wrong. I know some people with some serious complexes because of this, and it's really sad that we do this to our youth.

[@caesars.3261]

I think everyone wants to be respected more than being famous. I would love to be known for something that I'm good at just not being followed around all the dam time. But idk I'm not famous so I'll have to find out...

[@Sperium3000]

I want to be rich, but I never want to be famous.

[@trookers]

i give u 200 million euros. but u wont be famous. ir i give u 200 million euros with being extremly famous. people who got real mind problems would chose 200 million euros with fame. healthy personalities would always chose only the 200 million euros without being famous !

[@Chronix74]

This is one of the best videos ever made. The underlying reasons of not having enough comradery between citizens anymore is a SCARY fact of our modern world.

[@victorandrade5331]

I admit that I used to want to be famous. I still do sometimes. this video let me know what is at the heart of that desire. I will have to view and study it a few more times. thank you

[@victorandrade5331]

***** I'm emotionally retarded so it's a good thing I'm not famous.

[@ChirpoTunes]

I thoroughly enjoy school of life videos, I don't expect to find solutions here, so I am not disappointed when there is no simple answer for life's complex problems. I just find it consoling that it's not just me asking questions that are seemingly out of my league, stuck, lost for answers. if you came here looking for answers or if you think you already have them, then never mind. thanks for another great video School Of Life and thanks for changing the way I view the world, for the better!

[@seiscero]

Success is doing what you love, fame is the gaze of others. A person can be successful without being famous and being famous without being successful.

[@chocdesglacons]

Yes, everything is always a compensation mechanism and if you say that with a soft patronising voice it becomes philosophy. So insightful.

[@SALVADORANFIRE]

In other words, one of the main reasons why fame is so yearned for is because human beings have forgotten to love and respect one another like civil citizens of the world. Yours, J.A.

[@lavb6358]

I agree completely. And those who do manage in a society that puts so much pressure on them are the ones who got the fame without asking for it, being modest and not making a whole coulture out of their image (e.g. AUDREY HEPBURN - admired because of her amazing example of how to be as a human, never claiming to be talented in acting, only admitting that people are surprisingly mesmerized by her performance on stage :) - btw, TODAY May 4, she would have celebrated her 86th birthday)

[@Axess-sv8nq]

You ever hear the saying 'fame changes people'? Well, for most people, it does. People become popular. You see it on the Internet all the time - even on small scales. People gain followers on their social media. Pretty soon, people are watching their every move, hanging on their every word, and begging for their attention. That tends to go to most people's heads if they don't have a really strong humility to keep their feet on the ground. I was in the music business and saw it happen A LOT!

[@GrizzlerBorno]

I love your detailed analysis, but the solutions you guys suggest are always so vague and wishy washy that its borderline cheesy haha. Still good video.

[@kazakbrunstein7571]

"The erroneous belief that only celebrity can bring the kindness of strangers" . Great way to tie it back to social responsibility and our collective role in creating this modern unease we call celebrity. It is an unease that draws us towards vacancy. Yours is an excellent celebration of the meandering farce and tragicomedy of these societal aspirations. Your answer is politeness and an empathetic mind. I agree that this is our best solution, but wonder, - can it overcome a history of divisiveness, selfishness, and misinformation? I will ponder stillness and Lao Tzu and return shortly on a backward-water-buffalo. Yours is a very pleasant and Dhaoist solution to an ancient intractable edifice. Yet, rivers can erode mountains. Let us hope that we collectively learn to flow down to the calm waters.

[@ayushmaan7597]

Everybody trying to be famousm....m just trying to find a place to hide

[@Guilherme-J]

What about people that get famous due a side effect, like scientists, philosophers or someone who said the right thing at the right time? Many of them possibly weren't seeking fame, but got it anyway. What are your thoughts, School of Life?

[@jonaslundholm]

Yes! What is the definition of fame? Alain de Botton is famous, isn't he?

[@jeishun]

Guilherme Jarentchuk I agree. It seems like this video is only addressing a certain type of famous people such as trashy pop culture celebs rather than those famous in their accomplishments in certain fields.

[@aliensoldier5124]

I think the definition of fame is when a large amount of strangers know you.

[@missymouse4525]

Guilherme Jarentchuk If a scientist becomes famous it's probably because they've discovered something groundbreaking that could potentially change the world, which is good. I don't think this type of celebrity is the kind that gets ridiculed on TMZ for the pants they wore to Robeks yesterday. They would probably still receive judgment from those disagreeing with their theories, but I think it would be on a much different and more intellectual field than a pop star.

[@verbulent_flow6229]

They totally deserve TONS of respect.

[@TKO_CEY]

Sympathy is not something I ever desire

[@wires-sl7gs]

Well good for you.

[@kellyv6075]

Sympathy, empathy, understanding or validation are is not the same as pity

[@Sam-tg4ii]

Celebrities are not the culprits: those who raise celebrities to God level are

[@piazzaprinciples]

Our social palate has been manipulated and refined by corporate agenda/mass media to an inflexible addiction to sensationalism and the subsequent ego boost generated from comparison. This psychological addiction to feeding this bottomless pit of egotism is sinister in that is the norm in which a new generation are being raised. I personally feel that a more aggressive approach is needed than 'consideration and politeness' to escape the firm grasp this epidemic has upon our collective consciousness. We need too proactively halt this spiralling by exhorting the rejection of mass media and the propagators of the drug. We must collectively go cold turkey! Concurrently we need to redirect our collective social compass towards emulating those who are free spirited, self-reliant, and whole hearted. BROADEN your horizons, CULTIVATE your palate, and don't give up on those pursuits and passions which fill you with the frenetic vitality and vigour of a pre-teen at a Justin Bieber concert. Come into bloom like a lily and LIVE as an organic expression of who YOU want to be.

[@ChauncetonBird]

School of life is seriously the best. Whoever contributes to the production of these crisp short fantastic films, thank you.

[@alyssanguyen9704]

I think people want to be famous because people want to be special, feel successful, be excepted, etc. I want to be famous I can’t lie but hopefully I grow out of it... I’m 13 right now and I wish I don’t want to to be famous

[@moonie2770]

Same. I wish I grow out of it.

[@thaisminaknnedy1065]

u guys are crazy amazing. I've spent hours today watching your videos. And this one in particular really touched me

[@bolivar1789]

If I said the following name about 2300 years ago in west Anatolia I would be condemned to death:" Herostratus". In a desperate attempt to become famous he burned down The Temple of Artemis, at Ephesus in ancient Greece in 356 BC. And the Ephesian authorities after killing him, forbid "mention of his name" under penalty of death so that he would be forgotten forever. It didn't work though. He still made it. He even made it to youtube:-) You can watch a movie by his name, inspired by his story here on youtube. This is a terrible story but I confess that because of an uncontrollable curiosity, I would like to know more about Herostratus. Whether it was his family or the society that brought him so far. What are the differences ( in terms of motives ) between people who look for fame and those who look for notoriety? Is there a thin line? Of course there are examples of this in our time too: all those young men committing terrible crimes to be heroes, running amok in schools, bloody dictators killing their own people...What I find incredible and heartbreaking is that they don't even want to be " loved " anymore. They only want to be famous, knowing that they will pay with their lives in the end. What kind of psychology is this, to wish to be remembered and condemned by everyone even after your death, for an eternity? Terence said ; "nothing human is alien to me". So I would also like to " understand" the motives of those people with broken minds who seek for fame in such a sick manner... Thank you very much for this wise lesson. I agree with the solution too! I wonder if that solution could also work with Herostratus type of people...

[@spaceurchin114]

I'm a rapper, and I strive to succeed, and one of those elements of success does involve fame, to some sort of degree. I have fantasized about being famous like Eminem, but then I learned that there are rappers who are just as good, and don't necessarily have that level of fame, but can still lead successful rap careers. That's what I strive for.

[@edwardnashton9277]

Fame can help you lead a nation, get given perks, but you must always be performing and eventually everyone crashes

[@latin_feelz]

This videos ought to be shown to elementary school children and discussed too. The world would be a much better place, and by instilling these ideas in young minds, the wave of positive change will be felt far and wide. The School of Life, you guys are awesome.

[@andrewgodly5739]

What if you're in it for the money? Then the negative effects of fame shouldn't really affect you. Or you're in it for the fame but more specifically to make a mark and legacy in society and you don't pay too much attention to people's views on you?

[@ilijakocic1866]

The way I understood, this whole channel is that one school subject we need to seriously prepare us for life, but no one has it. As a developing human (dumb male teen), I'd like to thank the whole team on board your channel because of how helpful it is to create a healthy perspective on life, humanity and modern civilization This is not the channel we deserve, it's the channel we need!

[@jonathanlin2046]

Anyone else here an INFJ? Like or let me know :)

[@In0god0we0trust]

Hello, fellow 1%-er !

[@nahiyan8493]

Me :)

[@AnnHustle]

I'm shocked to see this comment! I am an INFJ! :)

[@nekozombie]

same!

[@vinodkumaraug]

The cancer cult is here!

[@ts25679]

I would like fame to be reserved for those who contribute to the human experience. Be that science, art, politics, community, etc... Once all the Bieber's and Kardashian's are gone we will still remember Aristotle, Beethoven, Da Vinci and Einstein.

[@kaptan5306]

This was deeply insightful and changes what I thought I knew about this issue, as do a lot of the videos on this channel. Very good work.

[@Irishkeyblade]

While when I was younger fame seemed alluring, at this stage I couldn't imagine anything more horrible than being famous. Anonymity has its perks. I think the key problem I have with fame is that it is rarely granted (at least on a widespread level) to those who have or intend to make real and positive change to the world. Scientists, humanitarians, peacekeepers, spokespersons for minorities ect seem to get far less attention then irrelevant pop fodder of the famous. I suppose I would call this responsible fame and think we could do with good healthy dose more of it. Thanks for reading =)

[@CraftyF0X]

I would argue that there is a good kind of fame too. Of course in the video there were prestented the worst kinds which are rly not worthy of fame and therefore their fame is short lived and pointless. I would say there is some benefit for the society to have fameous persons, but they need to be fameous with a very good reason, and NOT because for its own sake. Fameous ppl have the power to influence crowds of ppl and they can use this power either on the good way or on the bad. I know it sounds judgemental and there can be arguments about who thinks what is bad or good but we still can think about it as their positive or negative effects on society. Let me present this idea through two example, and I hope you can all see the difference between what I call good fame and (pathological) bad fame. Bad fame: Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Justin Bieber etc. really any random reality show celebrity any overrated actor or actress, or just anyone who emerged very quickly to celebrity status whithout any substencial accomplishment. Don't get me wrong on this one, they can be generous on their own way through charity or other means, but their fame, the image they built and represent has no positive value for the society. Good fame: The case when we know why we know or should know the persons like Richard Dawkins, Neil Amstrong, Brian Green, Peter Higgs, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Lawrence Krauss, Bill Nye, Daniel Denett, David Attenborough, Elon Musk etc.or any other well known living scientist, philosophers, great thinkers, entrepreneurs whos are well known for very good reasons, and whos work and life are inspireing, motivating, and all together a very good positive force on the society. Their positive forces comes partialy from their fame. I found interesting that this second type of fameous ppl are rly not in for the fame, but its rather a side effect of their work and life, therefore this desperate attention seeking which plague the first type of fameous ppl, and was adressed in the a video does not apply to them.

[@melissab6976]

I'd argue against Bieber being lumped into the bad fame category. Regardless of how many people dislike him, I think he is very talented, and looked cute when he first started out, so I'd say his fame is earned. I want to be famous myself, because I see it as a platform that I can do amazing things with, just like many others have before me, and many others will after me. I don't really get, or honestly have a lot of respect for people who get famous for doing nothing, or no good reason, when others work insanely hard at what they do. I think it's a different story if it's the child of a famous person, because they don't really get a choice to not be famous, but to become famous on your own accord for not really doing anything, or anything that makes the world a better place, just baffles me.

[@nikkionpluto]

facts!

[@channelfive7883]

@@melissab6976 People don't say the stuff to beibers face but behind a screen.

[@filosofism]

Fame, I have always had a love hate relationship with it. While on one hand I have a love of sharing my music on the other hand fame scares me more than anything. You become an open source for people . At the same time I deserve financial freedom. On the other hand everybody will know all your business. Lol if you respect your fellow man you’ll be labeled weak

[@pezpeculiar9557]

Who the fuck wants fame? It actually sounds shitty to me. Being wealthy or rich, however, is a different thing that probably everyone wishes for.

[@raescool334]

I want fame, as well as fortune

[@carlosyanes3453]

I have to point out that there exists a distinction between fame and celebrity that has been blurred in the recent years and isn't pointed out in this video. Fame is being known/recognized for a notable achievement. On the other hand, celebrity is simply being known. These terms have been used interchangeably in contemporary times such as ethnicity and race. Of course people will try to deconstruct the distinction by questioning what is 'notable' and that is meant to be interpreted as a significant contribution to your country, an area of study, society, etc.

[@gtabigfan34]

In Medieval times these celebrities I mean today's celebs, would publicly humiliated or to be "the fool of the castle".

[@channelfive7883]

Just like you

[@ignatiuswisesa7525]

I still think that ones "hope" to be famous by mean that people will acknowledge your work is humane and necessary..... *utilitarian view's here

[@krpcannon123]

If you exclude a desire to have an impact... change the world... with fame merely being a byproduct. I know no one who truly desires fame and fame alone... usually its accompanied with a desire to do something big (not BE something big)

[@melissab6976]

I agree with this. My desire for fame admittedly does come from feeling ignored, disrespected and insignificant throughout my youth and adolescence, but I want to use fame as a platform to do amazing things with the world, just like people like Oprah and Ellen have done, as well as a number of celebrities I've come across and support. I feel like having that much attention if you haven't done anything to get it, or aren't doing anything to better humanity with it, is a waste.

[@mamaurax25]

I completely agree. I mean, people want more to be loved, appreciated, respected, as oppose to ridiculed. When you let the compliments of people define you, you may allow their criticism to define you as well. And there is where things start to get hectic

[@mamaurax25]

Very understandable indeed

[@JulianCampbellPPV]

Being a 19 year old old who wants to be famous myself, I can tell you that a lot of what you said in this video is right. About fame being seen as a solution for inner problems. But I think you made the desire for fame sound a little more crazed than it by leaving out another, more necessity-based cause of it. As you all pointed out in another video (I believe it was the one about universities), young adults are in a stage where they hope to have both money and meaning in their life. Performing some sort of art, and then getting paid an incredible amount of money for it satisfies both of those needs, thus making things like being a musician or actor look appealing. Combine that with the fact with the media actively tells us it's possible. Can you blame us for wanting to be famous?

[@melissab6976]

I get what you mean. A lot of the things that were mentioned as beginnings of desiring fame really resonated with me. I want the recognition and acknowledgement of the things I've experienced and also achieved, but I also see fame as platform to make a difference in the world and basically be the change I want to see. Just like with any job, there's going to be a downside to being famous, but the main difference is that everything becomes public knowledge and it's just a matter of how well you can handle it, as was basically stated in the video. I'm doing a lot of inner work, and have been for the past decade or so, so I'm hoping that when my time comes, I'll have enough skills and resources to be able to withstand or at least go with the pressures that fame brings with it.

[@savinggrace9844]

Melissa B Very well said! You read my thoughts exactly!

[@ALBERT5102]

I want to be rich and perhaps famous. But I don't want to be a #1 in super stars rankings. I would like to be famous enough to have a pretty house, and the chance to travel, learn a lot and help other people. Just that :)

[@MyManThong]

Very glad I took the time to watch this video this morning. Nice video, interesting ideas!

[@Paulfamous]

Very amazing insight. Very well spoken. Being famous is serious business.

[@HOKING-ef8dj]

Famous people want to sell products and services to the public, they are only interested in the opinions of the masses in so far that it affects their ability to do this. Quite rightly. Nobody wants to be famous because they want to be liked, appreciated, understood or loved by the great unwashed. The goal is to be liked, appreciated, understood and loved by fellow famous, rich, beautiful and successful people from around the world. The masses are a nuisance who must be tolerated because they are the ones who generate and sustain the fame...

[@konyvnyelv.]

I could never imagine being famous. I would seriously have a heart stroke

[@soso-zz9qf]

I really don't want to be famous... I'm an introvert to the core XD

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

Wealth I understood, fame- never; it takes away expedentially more than it gives. The more famous one is, the less humanity one is allowed. No privacy, and the public's idea that you are theirs, that you're object to be admired, displayed, hidden, then dusted off and displayed again.

[@sackville_bagginsess]

Is this why Russell Brand said something similar to "The sweetness of fame turned to ash in my mouth". After years of chasing it, he realised it didn't provide what he seek.

[@brendaluv2017]

it's true just because you have their attention doesn't mean you have their respect

[@JackDaniels-dk9ou]

The idea behind being famous isn't just the approval of ones pears but, more the fact that now you're better than them. You know have more than them and can show it daily. You also have something you want to show the world. I want to be a director and screen writer. After watching this video I asked myself what is my drive? To create something beautiful and for everyone to witness it in all it's glory. I have been bullied in the past and yes that has some drive to this dream also. I must point out however you mistake some people's dreams to others getting rich quick with little work. Being famous is just the sub attraction of an already incredibly attractive area of work. That being said these videos are well made and well thought out thank you.

[@xiAGC123]

This video stresses me. Not all famous people became famous because they were wounded. Famous people are absolutely not ineligible for sympathy - whenever a famous person comes out as having suffered, people get up in arms and sympathetic about it, and they have lot of connections and people to turn to, often.

[@saggysack]

The video should be titled The Problem with Wanting Fame. Your reasoning, although insightful yet pretty general, only focuses on people's desire and longing to be famous. What about the people who become famous without the desire? Like Bill Gates. He was just talented at something a fame was a byproduct. I doubt he was trying to fill a love void. And what about people who make a lot of money because of their high skills? Athletes would still be athletes if they made the same amount without the fame. It's unfortunate you lumped all famous people into this otherwise interesting video.

[@hbloops]

+The School of Life Im genuinly curious about your thougts on the 'normal' working class people. Are you suggesting that the reason they dont achieve 'great' things is because they are fulfilled? I have a feeling that people working behind the counter could imagine haveing a more satisfying occupation, but are afraid to go for it because of a lack of self-esteem. And on the same note I see people who put them self out in the spotlight, ready to take heat, as a sign of high self-esteem. As for motives, I think were simply evolutionarily disposed to strive for as much status, influence and woman (if you're a man) as you can. Not saying that's healthy, but thats another case..

[@SerAbiotico]

+The School of Life And people like Smosh? They were just two average folks who suddenly get certain fame, and then that changed them. They didn't expect it, just got it.

[@williamferreira231]

+Ser Abiótico But they still wanted it, they didn't set up a youtube channel just so they would be neglected, they did it so they could become famous.

[@williamferreira231]

+Oliver Morgan I think middle-class people are either fulfilled or simply lack the skills to be famous.

[@hbloops]

***** I kinda agree, and this video definitely got me thinking in a good way. My problem with it and many others is that its suggested that 'successful' people are so because they are especially wounded (more than the common man) which I think is nonfactual and a damaging myth to spread. This video deals with the narcissistic part of the spectra and makes it look like that is the whole part. As for why I bother debating, I'm just scratching an itch, I agree that its not the best use of ones time.

[@NappaDaGOAT]

I'm subscribing because of this video. Through the moment I pressed play till it ended I was in awe. Beautiful video.

[@AMS97PS3]

I just think that some people don't deserve to be famous. There are tons of people out there who do far more important things that aren't famous and earn shit amounts of money. Whilst Kim Kardashian earns fuck tons for basically no reason. We like to make stupid people famous. That's the issue. I would not want to be famous personally, the idea of going somewhere and being harassed or going out in disguise just to avoid people is not appealing. Once you are internationally recognised, there is no going back.

[@strawberrypancakes2438]

I look up to my parents. Not a celebrity who could care less about me. My father grew up in a village only knowing his native tongue instead of English. He learned English at the age of 20, study despite how hard it was. He became the general manager of the municipality. We live in the better parts of town. I admire his perseverance.

[@mukulmisra]

Beautifully crafted essay ..... thanks

[@TheAmyBryans]

I disagree with the idea that young people these days want to be famous merely because they are lacking respect/craving to be treated decently. This can obviously be the case for some- but more often the desire for fame in my opinion is spurred from the saturation of celebrity. What teenage girl wouldn't want to look like Kyle Jenner, have an endless supply of money for makeup, cars, clothing. The way teenagers behave on social media these days is one born of celebrity obsession, with thousands of girls hosting videos to recreate the looks and styles of their favourite celebrities, with so many teenagers now "INTERNET FAMOUS" it's more obtainable and more desirable. Young people these days are on the internet far too much and are growing up much too quickly- with it now not being uncommon for a 14 year old to look, act and dress 18. I think celebrity obsession and the desire to be famous can be minimized by moving teenagers away from Instagram, Sephora, Facebook and fitness trends. Instead, go outside, read a book, listen to beautiful music, cook and turning off Snapchat.

[@anevoultionarylevelaboveg9202]

As a teen myself ....that's a respectable but fantastical view of things.

[@asho345]

I think it's about power. Young people want the ability to influence others and to sit comfortably on top of their social ladder. People like Kylie Jenner are inspiring to some because they have the power to influence society in tremendous ways. Not only that, but her name is a brand meaning as long as she has decent financial advisors she is financially secure for life. Almost anything she produces or attaches her name to will make a profit. Are most girls who go after this lifestyle setting themselves up for failure? Sure. But there are a lot of young people who do find ways to brand themselves through social media and gain profit as well as confidence and independence. Either way I think there are practical lessons parents can explore with their kids using these celebrities- instead of just trying to shelter them from things that have become such a large part of our culture.

[@thundel]

Some get famous as a byproduct of following their passion. Then, fame is almost akin to a symptom of their joy-filled journey. Just one contrary idea to the video's theme of seeking fame from a wounded mental position.

[@isdave5054]

Imagine how inspirational he would be as a parent...

[@danielamaya5241]

ive always wanted to be famous...this video describes everything I feel.. :O

[@DevilsInferno1]

Well now you know. It's worth more having a small number of close people rather than masses of people who really don't care nor understand you.

[@123sergy]

+DevilsInferno1 what if you don't have that either?

[@DevilsInferno1]

That's a bad situation to be in. You could end up going down a dangerous cycle and damaging your health with no one to support you. It's sort of why, even if maybe you've lost your family and friends, or no longer have close contact with them, that there'll always be people who you can talk to if you're down, including but not limited to: strangers (offline + online), support service workers. As for actually developing a bond where you can be reassured someone's got your back, that's something you should never give up. With that said, there's no need to be desperate or clingy if one finds themselves in that position. It's harder to find those sorts of people (assuming you have no close contact with family and friends) if you're looking online or are secluding yourself. In such a situation, you have to walk outside and get involved in activities. I remember a story where this guy didn't go out for a long time out of his house. He was being supported very much by someone until this person left him because of this behaviour. But eventually he went outside and collapsed outside a bakery. When he awoke, this person offered him some bread and after he explained his situation, he got a delivery job there. The narrator or someone said "when a person's life is on the line, they'll do anything to survive". This was in an anime - I can't remember which one. It might have been 'Welcome to the NHK'. But overall, Jim Rohn said "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with".

[@123sergy]

DevilsInferno1 thanks for the advice man, I became more comfortable by myself now. If I have a problem, I normally reflect on that issue and why it started and how I can solve it. Basically I listen to myself lol but thank you for your time to writing that

[@DevilsInferno1]

You are right. Often it's in ourselves that we need to delve into because sometimes it's only us that can solve our issues at the end of the day. You're welcome :)

[@srishtigoyal418]

Thank you for uploading this. It gave me a deeper, more clear understanding of my thoughts about being famous.

[@seagull6502]

If you're famous and have people that actually respect you as a person and won't constantly ask you for money or autographs like Justin biebers fans... then it's better

[@matthews.3812]

Well for sure that doesn’t exist.

[@karltoontv]

As a kid, I used to dream about being famous, Even now, as a 19 year old I think about being famous, just to feel a bit acknoloeged. But I'd starting to realise that people won't truly like you for who you are, but what you have become.

[@NordSlayer138]

This video hits especially with this generation of kids

[@ShatteredEquilibrium]

That's a bit to Freudian to say that "NO ONE would be want to be famous who hadn't also somewhere in the past made to feel extremely insignificant" - such a sweeping overgeneralisation falls apart as soon as you find even one person who was simply born craving fame without having experienced any personal deprecation. What about people who want to be famous precisely because they WERE given too much attention, admiration and love in the past and have grown to be insatiable in this regard?

[@MeandmySara]

I would just say I don't think there's such a thing as "too much love". Love isn't spoiling a child or giving in to every demand or telling them they're perfect. There should be no limit on what is considered the 'right amount' of love

[@jessiefox3739]

M.K. Ultra is the worst :( I'd rather be the person who overthrows the elites. Now that's power >:D

[@ericscott4035]

I’m sorry that people who were overprotective can’t handle the cold blooded truth. I hate lying to people.

[@hyacinth1320]

The wonderful world of boundaries..

[@solaireofastora3]

I'm just happy being a Christian. Despite my circumstances too.

[@pierzing.glint1sh76]

I really want to be famous because I was ignored as a child in school. Everyone thought I was silly and the like just because I thought differently and wasn't like them. And for my parents, I was never quite good or smart enough. Still aren't. I secretly long for the day I can make them truly proud. I want to outdo what my dad achieved in his life academically but i already know I'm never going to be able to do that, so I feel I have to do it financially and in terms of recognition, and so fame is the perfect way to do that.

[@jonathanlam4168]

it's sad some people don't consider the fact famous people have emotions

[@love_exegence]

Alian de Button is famous

[@moodyplus]

Picheal Naver It's Alain Delon.

[@kevinanggatama3478]

How could this video be utterly mind-opening... This channel is a serious worthy of youtube, thank you for making succh beautiful videos

[@wallemmedia]

THIS type of stuff should be all over streaming services, not cliffhanging mindless series (although, I gotta admit that I binge watched masterpieces like BB, SOA and PB in a week each).

[@MaoRuiqi]

When done, sir! The analogy that comes to mind is the moth that covets the light and heat of the candle flame; the closer one gets to fame, the more likely ones wings will be singed, if not destroyed.

[@snickerdoodle1]

Who you are is the obvious question, What you are is the pertinent question. Addendum: Reputation is what you are in the light; Character is what you are in the dark. Proverb

[@poppymoon777]

They want to be widely loved not widely known and it doesn’t work like that.

[@judycarroll9971]

such a good message...healthy information....the incessant, repetitive music makes hearing the message extremely difficult. de botton's insights are important....life changing. the world needs him...let us hear what he has to say.

[@falksinke]

What's the name of the background song?

[@woganjones2012]

A thought-provoking video. There can be little doubt that modern life brings with it a challenge of the human spirit and a crisis of meaninglessness and alienation. The craving for fame is much like a sugar craving; negative feelings are alleviated for a time but solve nothing profound within us. I agree that this epidemic of fame wannabees is a sign that normal lives may be lacking. However much more destructive than that is the way the modern media exacerbates this meaninglessness and exploits it to sell papers,perfume,deoderant,toothpaste,cars,kitchens,clothes,holidays,breakfast cereals, soft drinks and whole lifestyles. No one is immune to this pressure to buy security and happiness,even the strongest among us. We all swim in this media sesspool everyday and everyone every now and again,now matter how strong or independent has weak moments and has to swallow a mouthful every now and again. And accidental fame is growing more common as the search for weirder celebrity news grows ever more desperate. I hope to God I never see fame.

[@TheEccentricLad]

In a community where fame seekers are considered shallow, you get famous for saying how badly you don't want fame.