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About this quote

What does it mean?
Many brave people outlive their reputations.
In plain terms
Valiant men often live longer than their fame.
What can you take from it?
Reputation does not guarantee lasting presence.

Where it applies

  • public life
  • career
  • historical study

Putting it to work

  • focus on actions over fame
  • document your deeds

Questions to consider

  • Does reputation define a life?
  • Who are the valiant forgotten today?

Another view

Some reputations outlive their owners significantly.

More from Michel de Montaigne

  1. Ceux qui ont apparie notre vie a un songe ont eu de la raison...Nous veillons dormants et veillants dormons.

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  2. A man may be humble through vainglory.

    Permalink to quote #34
  3. Quelle verite que ces montagnes bornent, qui est mensonge qui se tient au dela?

    Permalink to quote #31

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