But suppose that those who remembered you were immortal and your memory undying. What good would it do you? And I don’t just mean when you’re dead, but in your own lifetime. What use is praise, except to make your lifestyle a little more comfortable?
You’re out of step—neglecting the gifts of nature to hand on someone’s words in the future.
Meditations 4.19.
I crave praise. And yet when it comes, I wriggle uncomfortably and try to shake it off, like a dog shakes itself after a swim.