Aphorism #97 Obtain and preserve a Reputation.

[Admin]

Aphorism #97 Obtain and preserve a Reputation.

It is the usufruct of fame. It is expensive to obtain a reputation, for it only attaches to distinguished abilities, which are as rare as mediocrities are common. Once obtained, it is easily preserved. It confers many an obligation, but it does more. When it is owing to elevated powers or lofty spheres of action, it rises to a kind of veneration and yields a sort of majesty. But it is only a well-founded reputation that lasts permanently. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ArtOfWorldlyWisdom?d=yIl2AUoC8zA (http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ArtOfWorldlyWisdom?a=FFs0DgQLDGg:q7k5uL_glBo:yIl2A UoC8zA) http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ArtOfWorldlyWisdom?d=qj6IDK7rITs (http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ArtOfWorldlyWisdom?a=FFs0DgQLDGg:q7k5uL_glBo:qj6ID K7rITs)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ArtOfWorldlyWisdom/~4/FFs0DgQLDGg

More... (http://www.balthasargracian.com?id=97)

[cafolini]

Market your abilities, but make sure they are actual. Get the usufruct but don't use strictly your assets out of unfounded hard-headness. Accept your lot. God be with you.

[hypatia_]

one of the few apho's i disagree with, unless i am misinterpreting.

there is no moral value to preserving a reputation for the sake of preserving it.