39 Popularity Quotes from Famous People in Sports, Business, Politics, and Entertainment

In the age of social media, popularity has become the goal of many. But being the center of attention comes with drawbacks. Quite a few famous people have shared their reflections on popularity. Read their 39 quotes below.

For many, fame is a sign of success, especially in a culture that glorifies celebrities. Having a large social circle and access to resources normally reserved for those with more power are among the benefits of fame.

But as many prominent personalities have attested to, fame is a double-edged sword. It can open doors of opportunities but often at the cost of one's privacy.

Many celebrities and high-profile leaders around the world either relish their popularity or loathe it. Here are some well-known individuals who have some thoughts to share regarding fame and popularity.

Harrison Ford’s quote: "The actor's popularity is evanescent; applauded today, forgotten tomorrow." | Image: AmoDays

Popularity Quotes from World Leaders in Business and Politics

"Avoid popularity if you would have peace." — Abraham Lincoln

"We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity." — Marco Rubio

"Popularity isn't an objective in itself. I'm not in this game." —Emmanuel Macron

"When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people." —Edmund Burke

"Leadership is not a contest of likeability. Leadership often boils down to making the tougher choices. You are not in a popularity contest." —Paul Polman

Abraham Lincoln’s quote: "Avoid popularity if you would have peace." | Image: AmoDays

"One of my proudest moments is I didn't sell my soul for the sake of popularity." —George W. Bush

"Popularity isn't my compass. Unless it can help one to act, to be understood... that's what counts." —Emmanuel Macron

"When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it's because he's so human; and that is the secret of his popularity." — Walt Disney

"Someone said I have had my popularity diminished by getting into the controversy of national education. Perhaps they are right." —Carrie Lam

Johnny Vegas’s quote: "I found popularity through self-destruction, and that can be quite addictive.” | Image: AmoDays

Popularity Quotes from Famous Athletes

"I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity." — Julius Erving

"I'm not trying to win a popularity poll. I'm trying to win football games." — Woody Hayes

"I love to play, and I love the sport, but I don't play it to gain popularity." — Dirk Nowitzki

"I don't aspire to have high approval ratings. I aspire, in light of my two predecessors, to be the most honest governor I can be. I'd rather focus on honesty than popularity." — Pat Quinn

"I'm not out there to win a popularity contest. I'm out there to win basketball games." — Reggie Miller

Emmanuel Macron’s quote: "Popularity isn't my compass. Unless it can help one to act, to be understood... that's what counts." | Images: AmoDays

Popularity Quotes from Famous Musicians and Actors

"For me, when I grew up, I never really had an outlet when it came to my social surroundings. Even if I had a form of popularity, I felt like I was very limited." —Khalid

"Popularity is totally overrated." —Kathleen Hanna

"I try not to be influenced by success or popularity." —Suga

"Popularity is a bubble. It's a mountain: you can go up really hard but walk down really fast." —RM

"Art has never been a popularity contest." —James Levine

Julius Erving’s quote: "I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity." | Image: AmoDays

"I don't care at all about the mainstream; I don't care about popularity contests; I don't care about who's got the biggest-selling album; and I don't care about glossy production." — Phil Anselmo

"Popularity gets up people's noses. But I understand the importance and the function of popular music. There is an artistic purpose. Popular music helps people to develop a curiosity and leads them towards classical music." — Andrea Bocelli

"When you are invisible, you have all the amusement you want without any of the expectations popularity brings. It frees you." —Nicola Coughlan

"The hardest thing to do is to be true to yourself, especially when everybody is watching." — David Chapelle

"Don't give in to all the cliques and popularity. It means nothing. I know super popular guys, and guess what? They're just normal people, too." — Leo Howard

Suga’s quote: "I try not to be influenced by success or popularity." | Images: AmoDays

"You're an island no matter what you do. I think it's very dangerous to use popularity as your identity in life. So you have to really know who you are inside, the core person, and follow what is true rather than follow what hype." — Donny Osmond

"I have never been attracted to increasing my popularity or hireability by being on Instagram." — Katherine Langford

"Popularity is very inconsistent. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. It usually just comes in waves." — Mia Wasikowska

"I've never had issues with popularity. I was always a popular guy... I've always had friends and loved ones and everything, so it wasn't like, 'Oh man, I gotta fill some void that was left by high school.' I had a great high-school experience." — Jonah Hill

"I've always tried to be nice to people, so that sort of translates into popularity, I guess." — Andy Richter

Kathleen Hanna’s quote: "Popularity is totally overrated." | Image: AmoDays

"I've noticed, in the ebbs and flows of success and popularity, so much of it is fraudulent and to be distrusted." — Paul Bettany

"I don't care whether people like me or dislike me. I'm not on earth to win a popularity contest. I'm here to be the best human being I possibly can be." —Tab Hunter

"The actor's popularity is evanescent; applauded today, forgotten tomorrow." — Harrison Ford

"I've never personally criticized anyone else's music, but I know that the public's real problem is not the music I make but the perception that I play simple music for money only and for the notoriety and to increase my popularity." — Kenny G

"The sense of popularity in an actor is essential." — Roger Rees

Mia Wasikowska’s quote: "Popularity is very inconsistent. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. It usually just comes in waves." | Images: AmoDays

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Quotes about Popularity from Writers

"Popularity was fickle and elusive, like trying to catch fireflies in a jar. You were either born with it or relegated to wallflower status according to your mysterious and unknowable workings of the universe." — Melissa de la Cruz

"Social standing does not necessarily translate to social acceptance." — Alexandra Robbins

"It's so much fun to write. Sometimes great books are left out for lack of promotion, while unnecessary books are loved because of their popularity. Common people always follow the majority." ― Mwanandeke Kindembo

"Are you commenting for popularity and to be seen? Or are you commenting for authenticity and adding to the conversation? People are starting to notice the difference." ― Loren Weisman

"Fame is a double-edged sword: It will make you gain status and popularity, but also lose motivation and creativity." ― Mouloud Benzadi

Roger Rees’s quote: “The sense of popularity in an actor is essential.” | AmoDays

If there's anyone who can share nuggets of wisdom about fame and popularity, it should be famous people themselves. Therefore, those who seek fame should take these quotes to heart.

As many prominent personalities shared, popularity alone should not be the end goal. One can use it to do more good for oneself and for others. Truly, popularity comes with responsibilities.

To explore more about developing your confidence and standing up on your own amid the societal pressures in life, read these SZA quotes.