I do get recognized, but I must say Edinburgh is a fantastic city

Hear, O seekers of wisdom, the words of J. K. Rowling, the teller of tales who shaped the dreams of millions, who declared: “I do get recognized, but I must say Edinburgh is a fantastic city to live if you're well-known. There is an innate respect for privacy in Edinburgh people, and I also think they're used to seeing me walking around, so I don't think I'm a very big deal.” In this utterance lies not only the gratitude of a woman to her city, but a deeper reflection upon the nature of fame, humility, and the sacred gift of privacy.

The origin of this saying flows from Rowling’s own life in Edinburgh, where she dwelt not as an untouchable figure in gilded halls, but as a woman who walked its streets and sat in its cafés, scribbling the stories that would enchant the world. When fame struck with thunderous force, she found shelter not in walls of stone, but in the quiet courtesy of the city’s people. Though they knew her face, they did not devour her solitude. Though they recognized her, they gave her the rare and precious gift of space. Thus, she spoke these words, a hymn of gratitude to a people who understood the balance between reverence and respect.

This teaching is ancient in its truth: that fame without privacy is a gilded cage. Many who have risen to renown have found themselves suffocated by adoration, unable to walk freely, stripped of the small dignities of ordinary life. But Rowling proclaims that in Edinburgh, she discovered a rare harmony—fame and freedom existing side by side. The people honored her not with constant intrusion, but with the more subtle respect of leaving her life undisturbed. Here lies a lesson for all generations: that the greatest honor we can give to those we admire is not endless praise, but the preservation of their humanity.

Consider, O listener, the story of Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome. Though he bore the purple robe and was hailed as divine, he longed for moments of quiet reflection, to write his Meditations in peace. Surrounded by crowds and duties, he lamented the endless demands of fame and power. How he would have treasured what Rowling found in Edinburgh—a people who honored greatness without consuming it, who permitted greatness to walk humbly among them. In both emperor and author we see the same truth: even the most exalted need the sanctuary of ordinary life.

Rowling’s words also reveal her own humility. She does not declare herself extraordinary, though the world might call her so. She says simply that she is not a “big deal,” for to her, the weight of fame is less important than the rhythm of daily life. In this humility lies strength, for the truly great do not need constant reminders of their greatness. They walk among their people as one of them, not above them. And when a people respond with courtesy, the bond between greatness and community becomes unbreakable.

O children of tomorrow, take this wisdom to heart. When you encounter one who is celebrated, do not smother them with worship, nor strip them of their privacy. Offer instead the quiet gift of respect—the knowledge that they are human, as you are, needing moments of stillness, of solitude, of ordinary grace. True reverence does not cling, but releases; it does not intrude, but protects. In this way, communities may nurture greatness without destroying it.

Practically, let your life reflect this teaching. If you meet those who are known, greet them with kindness, but allow them their humanity. If you yourself should rise to recognition, hold fast to humility, remembering that fame is fleeting, but dignity is eternal. And in your daily life, honor the privacy of others as you would wish yours to be honored, for privacy is not the privilege of the famous, but the right of every soul.

Thus Rowling’s words shine as a beacon: privacy is respect, and humility is greatness. Let us remember this truth in every age. For when a people can see greatness and yet allow it to walk humbly among them, they show themselves not merely admirers of talent, but guardians of humanity itself.