The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

You appear to have a good project... we wish you well in this endeavor.

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of -- for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.

By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.

Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.