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Prominence is cool, but when the delusion kicks in it can be a drag. Especially if you choose to surround yourself with friends and not acolytes.
Barbara Kruger
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True friendships are more valuable than superficial fame or followers.

In this quote, Barbara Kruger emphasizes the importance of genuine connections over the empty pursuit of prominence. She suggests that while being well-known may seem appealing, it can lead to a sense of isolation if one surrounds themselves with sycophants rather than true friends who provide authentic support and companionship.

Themes

FriendshipFameAuthenticitySupportCompanionship

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared in a speech about the value of true friendships over popularity.

More from Barbara Kruger

Women's art, political art - those categorisations perpetuate a certain kind of marginality which I'm resistant to. But I absolutely define myself as a feminist.
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I think people have to set up little battles. They have to demonize people whom they disagree with or feel threatened by. But it's the ideological framing of the debate that scares me.
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I think pictures and words have the power to make us rich or poor.
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But I really resist categories – that naming is a closing down of meaning. Women's art, political art – those categorisations perpetuate a certain kind of marginality which I'm resistant to. But I absolutely define myself as a feminist.
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I had to figure out how to bring the world into my work.
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Belief is tricky because left to its own devices, it can court a kind of surety, an unquestioning allegiance that fears doubt and destroys difference.
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