Daniel J. Boorstin? Andy Warhol? Charles Godfrey Leland? Marshall McLuhan? Raquel Welch? David Brinkley? Anonymous? Dear Quote Investigator: Achieving fame required some significant accomplishment or impressive quality in the past. Now it seems that people are deemed notable for absurd reasons. Here are three phrases describing the self-referential nature of modern celebrityhood: Famous for being …
Category Archives: Andy Warhol
We Attend the Openings of Envelopes
Andy Warhol? Sylvia Miles? Wayland Flowers? Jack O’Brian? Rex Reed? Olivia Goldsmith? Ivana Trump? Anonymous? Dear Quote Investigator: The opening of an exciting theatrical production or an innovative art museum can be a prestigious event with an impressive guest list. Yet, many openings are weary exercises in public relations with unremarkable attendees. A self-promoter who …
In the Future Everyone Will Be Famous for 15 Minutes
Andy Warhol? Apocryphal? Dear Quote Investigator: The expression “fifteen minutes of fame” is based on a quotation by the influential Pop artist Andy Warhol. But what exactly did he say and when did he say it? Quote Investigator: Warhol’s notable maxim about the transience of fame has been popular for much longer than the standard …
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In the Future Everyone Will Be Anonymous for Fifteen Minutes
Banksy? Andy Warhol? John Leland? Graham Greenleaf? John Hilvert? Neal Gabler? Dear Quote Investigator: The rise of the hacktivist group “Anonymous” reminded me of an artwork I saw by the graffiti provocateur Banksy. He (or she, or they) created a pink television set with a screen that displayed this message: In the future everyone will …
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