My Character and Reputation

Art by Charles Edward Perugini

Character is the one thing we make in this world
and take with us into the next.
The circumstances amid which you live
determine your reputation;
the truth you believe determines your character.

Reputation is what you are supposed to be;
Character is what you are.
Reputation is what you have
when you come to a new community;
Character is what you have when you go away.

Reputation is made in a moment;
Character is built in a lifetime.
Reputation grows like a mushroom;
Character grows like an oak.

Your reputation is learned in an hour;
Your character is does not come to light for a year.

A single newspaper report gives your reputation;
a life of toil gives you your character.
Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor;
Character makes you happy or makes you miserable.

Reputation is what men say about you
on your tombstone;
Character is what angels say about you
before the throne of God.

Your character is what God knows you to be.
Your reputation is what men think you are.

~ William Hershey Davis ~