Reputation v. Character

The Difference Between Reputation and Character

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 the photograph;
Character is the face.

Reputation comes over one from without;
Character grows up from within.

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.

Your reputation is learned in an hour;
Your character doesn't come to light for a year.

Reputation grows like a mushroom;
Character grows like the oak.

A single newspaper report gives you 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.

-by William Hersey Davis, Sr.