Be it true or false, what is said about men often has as much influence upon their lives, and especially upon their destinies, as what they do.

Reputation is commonly measured by the acre.

When the man is at home, his standing in society is well known and quietly taken; but when he is abroad, it is problematical, and is dependent on the success of his manners.

The art of being able to make good use of moderate abilities wins esteem, and often acquires more reputation than actual brilliancy.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never well mended.

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

The Purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation.

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

Posterity is always just.

It is easier to add to a great reputation than to get it.

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

A man's real life is that accorded to him in the thoughts of other men by reason of respect or natural love.

There are many who dare not kill themselves for fear of what the neighbors will say.

There are two modes of establishing our reputation; to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.

Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known than their crimes.

Shall I be remembered after death? I sometimes think and hope so. But I trust I may not be found out before my death.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

What people say behind your back is your standing in the community in which you live.

A Negro just can't be whipped by somebody white and return with his head up in the neighborhood, especially in those days, when sports and, to a lesser extent show business, were the only fields open to Negroes, and when the ring was the only place a Negro could whip a white man and not be lynched.