Fame and anonymity are two of the worldly concerns. Sometimes, we crave fame, thinking that we will be happy if we are famous and popular. Fame is similar to praise, but multiplied by many people. We wish to be known by everyone, to stand out as special, and to never miss out on anything because we are always invited. The more fame we enjoy, the more inflated our false sense of self becomes.

Anonymity is the opposite of fame—no one knows who we are, and we feel unimportant or inconsequential. We experience aversion to being forgotten, overlooked, or rejected. In another aspect of this polarity, we may often prefer to remain unseen, valuing anonymity over any recognition. This is similar to the pride that drives our desire for fame, but instead of pride, it’s low self-esteem that entangles us. Those who are already famous may also long for the comfort of anonymity.

An alternate version of this teaching ties our craving for fame to our aversion for infamy or disrepute—having a bad reputation. Infamy represents a more intense form of blame, where many people view us negatively. While most of us tend to avoid a bad reputation, individuals carry varying karmas, and some even seek infamy, as it attracts attention.

Focusing on the experience of any of the eight worldly dharmas can lead to resistance and greater suffering. To practice with these habitual patterns, we recognize how hope and fear increases our suffering (dukkha). We can let go of attachment and fixation and view experiences as always changing (anicca), coming and going, while remembering that our sense of self is also a fleeting and changing experience (anatta).

Fame is fickle and transient, and doesn’t bring lasting happiness. Cutting through hopes and fears related to fame and anonymity free us to be more present, and worry less about the always changing opinions of others.

Reflect on the experience of popularity or unpopularity and notice what it feels like, what causes it, how long it lasts, and what it feels like when it changes.

• Would you rather be famous or anonymous and why?
• Is popularity a good indication of a person's virtue?
• What makes people famous these days?

Evaluate personal motivations regarding fame and notoriety, and implement actions that are free from both craving recognition and fearing obscurity.