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.
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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.]

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.

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.

Let no one honour me with tears, or bury me with lamentation.
Why? Because I fly hither and thither, read more

Let no one honour me with tears, or bury me with lamentation.
Why? Because I fly hither and thither, living in the mouths of
me.
[Lat., Nemo me lacrymis decoret, nec funera fletu.
Faxit cur? Volito vivu' per ora virum.]

For a strolling damsel a doubtful reputation bears.
[Ger., Denn ein wanderndes Madchen ist immer von schwankendem
Rufe.]

For a strolling damsel a doubtful reputation bears.
[Ger., Denn ein wanderndes Madchen ist immer von schwankendem
Rufe.]

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.

It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.

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.