Talent, Beauty, Wealth, Fame Not Enough

A life without fame can be a good life, but fame without a life is no life at all.–Clive James

It is sad and shocking news that the beautiful and talented Whitney Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton yesterday.   I had always enjoyed listening to Whitney’s beautiful voice and was saddened when for a long period of time she had not been so public with her music.  Like many a famed personality, she too was caught up in the world of substance abuse which pretty much became her demise.

We tend to think that being famous, beautiful or handsome, having lots of money and tremendous talent would solve all of our problems, we would be happy and in need of nothing.  As we can see here, and in so many cases with those who have “made it” in the world, it can lead to even greater depression and even loneliness and despair.  Life goes on and we are all susceptible to the very same feelings, illnesses, choices and decisions.

I feel sorry in fact for celebrities who find themselves caught up in the lime light and are unable to have normal moments of peace and tranquility without being harassed by the media and fans.  If not handled properly, too much adoration can lead to depression as well.  Celebrities are also human, they need to feel loved and cared for, the world that they find themselves in often is  very superficial and it can be even more hurtful to not have a feeling of sincere love and care.  More often than not, this “love” that they get is more due to their success and is rather fickle, “here today and gone tomorrow” when the money and success runs low.

The material world cannot satisfy the real need in our lives of love and being loved.  Having things, being well-known, and being attractive are nice, but they will never ever feed the true yearning of the soul.  My prayers go out to Whitney’s daughter and family, may she now have true peace.