William Shakespeare on Reputation
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“I have offended reputation, A most unnoble swerving.”
“I see my reputation is at stake: My fame is shewdly gor'd.”
“Thy death-bed is no lesser than thy land Wherein thou liest in reputation sick.”
“'Tis better to be vile than vile esteem'd, When not to be receives reproach of being;”
“Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.”
“The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation; that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay.”
“Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.”
“Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls: Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.”