"No puedes dejar de ser famoso. Puedes volverte infame, pero no puedes dejar de ser famoso."

When you become well-known, it's a one-way street. Once you've stepped into the spotlight, there's no going back to being unknown. You can, unfortunately, become infamous—known for negative reasons—but the state of being famous can't be erased.

Our society places a huge premium on fame. People chase it with the hope of gaining wealth, admiration, and influence. But fame is a double-edged sword, and this quote highlights that reality. Once you've been recognized, you can't simply undo it. The public eye is unblinking and memory is long.

Take, for example, the case of Monica Lewinsky. In the late 1990s, she became a household name due to her affair with President Bill Clinton. It wasn't just that her name was splashed across every headline; her private life became a public spectacle. For years, she was the butt of jokes and the subject of endless media scrutiny. Even when she tried to step out of the limelight and lead a private life, the shadow of her fame followed her. Despite efforts to reframe her narrative, she remains infamous for that period of her life. It's a stark reminder that you can't get unfamous once the world knows your name.

So how do we apply this wisdom? Be mindful of your actions and the potential for them to catapult you into the public eye. In today's digital age, this is more pertinent than ever. A tweet, a video, a controversial stance—any of these can go viral, and suddenly everyone's talking about you. Think before you act. Ask yourself if you're prepared for the long-term consequences of fame or infamy.

Imagine you're at a family gathering, and your cousin Brad is talking about this wild stunt he wants to pull for his YouTube channel. He's convinced it will make him famous overnight. You suggest he think it through. "Brad," you say, "once you're famous, you can't go back. Are you sure you want to be known for this?" Maybe he listens, maybe he doesn't, but at least you've shared the wisdom.

Let's say Brad goes ahead with his plan. He films the stunt, it goes viral, and suddenly he's everywhere. At first, it's exhilarating. He's getting sponsorship deals, interview requests, and a ton of new followers. But then the darker side of fame creeps in. Every move he makes is scrutinized, every mistake magnified. He can't just walk down the street without being recognized. He's lost his anonymity, and with it, a part of his freedom.

This scenario underscores the importance of thinking long-term. Fame might seem glamorous, but it's a one-way ticket. You can't just decide to be unknown again. So, whether you're aiming for the spotlight or just navigating the digital age, be conscious of how your actions might make you known. And ask yourself if that's really what you want.

In the end, it's all about balance. Enjoy the recognition if it comes your way, but be wary of the price it might demand. Remember, you can become infamous in a heartbeat, but you can't get unfamous. So, tread carefully—your future self will thank you.