It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it

No book was ever written down by any but itself.

No book was ever written down by any but itself.

It is a maxim to me that no man was ever written out of
reputation but by himself.

It is a maxim to me that no man was ever written out of
reputation but by himself.

Reputation is but a synonyme of popularity: dependent on
suffrage, to be increased or diminished at the will of read more

Reputation is but a synonyme of popularity: dependent on
suffrage, to be increased or diminished at the will of the
voters.

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

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

That man is thought a dangerous knave,
Or zealot plotting crime,
Who for advancement of his kind
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That man is thought a dangerous knave,
Or zealot plotting crime,
Who for advancement of his kind
Is wiser than his time.

The reputation of a man is like his shadow, gigantic when it precedes him, and pigmy in its proportions when read more

The reputation of a man is like his shadow, gigantic when it precedes him, and pigmy in its proportions when it follows.

One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation.

One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation.