A Tao master when traveling stopped for the night at a local inn. The proprietor recognized him and asked him: “Is it true honorable one that a man can never be more than a man? If so, why do people crave fame?” The master answered: “If they do so their goal is to become rich.” Yes, but when they have become rich, why do they not stop at that?” inquired the host.
The master said: “They aim is to gain honors.” The host continued “Why then do they not stop when they have got them?” The master smiled and said “On account of their death.” The host paused and said “I do not understand, what can they possibly desire still after their death?” The master replied “They think of their legacy.” “How can their fame be available to their legacy” said the host. “For the sake of fame, they endure all kinds of hardship and mental pain. This fame however is sure to vanish like writing on the sand to which the tides will erase. The ignorant, while seeking to secure and keep their fame, sacrifice reality. By doing so they will have to regret that nothing can rescue them from sickness and death. This realization comes very late or even worse not at all, and people die frightened by what they do not understand.” explained the master. With that, the master retired to his room for the evening.
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