Character and Reputation
Reputation
In a world, increasing amoral, perception is considered reality. How one appears to the world has overtaken the substance of who we really are. Impressions, whether real or fake, are given more credence than they deserve.
When people come into regular contact with one another there is a certain impact (positive or negative) that we make on each other and thus leave animpression. This impression that each individual makes on the other is referred to as reputation.
Reputation is the estimation in which a person is commonly held. What we see or believe about someone is not necessarily totally who the person is. The impression we give to others of our self is not necessarily who we really are. Some people hide their "real self" behind a facade of deception. Though name, image and reputation are what we perceive of people; character is the essence of the "real self". People generally may accept you as you portray yourself, but will eventually know you by your attitude and actions. Remember, you can't fool all the people all of the time.
Character
Character is who we are when no one is looking. Character is not only the face in the mirror, but the real person behind the face. Good character evolves from conscience; is sustained by conscience and is developed piece by piece, with every thought, with every choice, and nurtured with determination.
Reputation and Character
- Reputation is what you lead others to believe you are;
Character is what you really are. - Reputation may be reflected in the combination of your name and your image;
Character is the essence of your being. - Reputation is the wrapping;
Character is the content. - Reputation is the outer reflection;
Character is the inner reality. - Reputation is made in a moment;
Character is built in a lifetime. - Reputation is what you come with to a new community;
Character is what you have proven to possess when you leave. - Reputation may be reflected in what people write about you on your tombstone;
Character is what angels report about you to God.
Remember, no lasting reputation can be built on a weak character, just as no strong house can be built on a shaky foundation. It is only at death, after lifelong endeavor, that we have the total life experiences to establish a truly good name, image, reputation; and this occurs because of the character we have developed and maintained.
Thought of the Day
If you want a guideline as to how to live your life, then think what you would like people (who really know you)
to say about you at your death; Then, live your life to make that a reality.