A man's character is the reality of himself; his reputation, the opinion others have formed about him; character resides in him, reputation in other people; that is the substance, this is the shadow.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between a person's character and their reputation. It suggests that one's character is the true essence of who they are, encompassing their virtues, morals, and integrity. On the other hand, reputation refers to the opinion that others hold about an individual, based on their actions and behavior. The quote implies that character is inherent and intrinsic, while reputation is more fleeting and subject to the perceptions of others. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on cultivating one's character rather than being overly concerned with how others perceive us.

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