To be pointed out with the finger.

To be pointed out with the finger.

Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.

Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely
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For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th' unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin?

Charm strikes the sight, but merit wins the soul.

Charm strikes the sight, but merit wins the soul.

The worst of me is known, and I can say that I am better than the
reputation I bear.
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The worst of me is known, and I can say that I am better than the
reputation I bear.
[Ger., Das Aergste weiss die Welt von mir, und ich
Kann sagen, ich bin besser als mein Ruf.]

My reputation grows with every failure.

My reputation grows with every failure.

Reputations, like beavers and cloaks, shall last some people
twice the time of others.

Reputations, like beavers and cloaks, shall last some people
twice the time of others.

Contemporaries appreciate the man rather than his merit; posterity will regard the merit rather than the man.

Contemporaries appreciate the man rather than his merit; posterity will regard the merit rather than the man.