“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” John Wooden
Reputation isn’t everything. Character is much more important. A reputation that is gained without character is hypocrisy. A reputation that grows out of a good character is simply giving honor to whom honor is due.
Character is within your power. Reputation is a thing over which you have little control.
Character cannot be taken away from you by any man. Reputation can be stolen from you by liars.
Striving for character is strength. Aiming solely at reputation is weakness. Character endures difficulty.
The man of character is often out in front, regardless of who is following. The reputation seeker cannot lead the way because he cannot move in any direction until he is assured that the army is already headed that way.
