Fame is rot; daughters are the thing

Fame is rot; daughters are the thing

James M. Barrie, the renowned Scottish author and playwright, is best known for creating the beloved character of Peter Pan. However, despite his fame and success, Barrie understood the fleeting nature of celebrity and the importance of family. This sentiment is reflected in his famous quote, "Fame is rot; daughters are the thing."

Barrie's own life was marked by tragedy and loss, which may have influenced his perspective on fame. He lost his older brother David at a young age, and his mother never fully recovered from the grief. Barrie himself never married or had children, but he formed close relationships with the children of his friends, including the Llewelyn Davies boys who inspired the character of Peter Pan.