/lit/ - Literature

Is it better to start with academic papers on topics in philosophy, given they are more up-to-date with the latest discorse, or pop-philosophy books, or actually books written by the famous philosophers?

Also, how do the philosophers even get famous? I'm guessing the average person didn't read Kirkergard (sorry, I don't into philosophy yet, sp) and proclaim OMG amazing! And, the average philosophy department probably thought he was just another step up the thought ladder and didn't think him much higher than themselves.