The two most precious things this side of the grave are our reputation and our life. But it is to read more

The two most precious things this side of the grave are our reputation and our life. But it is to be lamented that the most contemptible whisper may deprive us of the one, and the weakest weapon of the other.

Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without
merit and lost without deserving.

Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without
merit and lost without deserving.

Good will, like a good name, is got by many actions, and lost by one.

Good will, like a good name, is got by many actions, and lost by one.

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll read more

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than read more

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford
Is spotless reputation. That away,
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My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford
Is spotless reputation. That away,
Man are but gilded loam or painted clay.

No book was ever written down by any but itself.

No book was ever written down by any but itself.

I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
read more

I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
[Ger., Ich halte nichts von dem, der von sich denkt
Wie ihn das Volk vielleicht erheben mochte.]

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met
on the street.

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met
on the street.