Perhaps a man's character is like a tree, and his reputation like its character: the shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Character is the real substance of a person, while reputation is just the public perception.
- In plain terms
- Character is real; reputation is just what people think.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on character, not just reputation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What matters more to you: how you are seen or who you are?
- How do you protect your character?
Another view
Reputation often impacts opportunities as much as character does.
More from Abraham Lincoln
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