The 800-pound gorilla -- aka The connection we're not making...

[Ankesh]

Thanks TW.

I think what you're saying has more to do with fame and less to do with success.

Taking one more step above from where you are right now:

Warren Buffet. Successful by anyone's standard. But yet - I would say 90% of the world hasn't heard about him.

Who knows the name of the President of France? of India? Of China? People staying in those countries will know the names. But people out of those countries won't. But these people have reached the highest position of success in their fields that is possible.

I would say that 80% of the world doesn't know who Allen Iverson is. Or who Tom Brady is. 60-70% of the world won't know who Sachin Tendulkar is.

Really - there are very very few people who the entire world knows about.

Even historically speaking. Besides Newton and Einstein - the lay person won't know any other scientists name. Besides Da Vinci and Picasso - the lay person won't know any painters name.

Anyways, here is a good forwarded email...

You don’t have to actually take the quiz.
Just read the email and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last ten World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care