Tidings of the Pixel: The Burden of Glory and Fame

In the past, people's greatest ideal was to reach that magnificent goal called 'Glory and Fame'. This concept is depicted as a ruthless and highly demanding goddess living at the peak of a steep, ice-covered mountain. Those who dared to reach this lofty summit had to dedicate their lives to a single purpose. Glory and fame were a concept that could not be bought with ordinary efforts, but only with extraordinary sacrifices. This long journey from the foothills to the summit of the mountain meant a profound inner struggle that shaped hopes and dreams.

To achieve this sacred goal, individuals were expected to sacrifice their lives and dedicate themselves completely to a cause. For instance, some spent years in medical laboratories to eradicate a disease, while others tried to unravel the complex secrets of the universe. People sometimes worked in solitude for decades just to compose that one perfect symphony. Achieving such great goals required renouncing one's own desires and wishes and setting aside worldly pleasures. The determination to climb to the peak was a testament to how far beyond limits the human mind and will could go.

However, this relentless climb dragged individuals into a deep and dark loneliness. Most of those who remained in the shadow of fame had to cope with being misunderstood and facing internal isolation throughout their lives. This loneliness brought by the journey was seen as a mandatory toll to be paid on the road to success. These explorers and artists, who drifted away from the understanding of the people around them, immersed themselves in their own inner worlds. Those who truly produced great works were generally the ones who experienced the deepest sorrow and isolation.

The rewards for these great achievements, however, most often occurred well beyond a person's lifespan, meaning after death. A scientist's reward could amount to nothing more than having a desolate crater on the planet Mars named after them. Sometimes, a small memorial plaque hung on a building that didn't even attract anyone's attention became the sole return for a lifetime of effort. Even the greatest reward could be the silent and profound respect of a handful of colleagues who had experienced the same arduous path. Therefore, although reaching this summit seemed like a lofty goal, it generally meant a delayed appreciation that the living could not enjoy.

In the work, 'Glory and Fame' was so heavy that this historical reward was symbolized as a solid gold coin that could only be carried to graves. That gold coin was so heavy that only the dead bodies, relieved of the exhaustion of life, could have the strength to hold it. This striking analogy reveals the physical and spiritual wear and tear that the pursuit of fame and success inflicts upon a person. However attractive the glitter of fame may seem, it leaves behind weights and losses that are difficult to compensate for. This situation whispers to us that true success, rather than a worldly reward, imposes a very heavy responsibility and burden upon a person.