The shortest and surest way to live with honour in the world is to be in reality what we would appear to be: and if we observe, we will find that all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.
Socrates (c.470-399 BC) Greek philosopher
In Xenophon, The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates, ch. 6 “Of the Choice of Friends” [tr. Edward Bysshe (1722)]
Alt trans.: "The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be."
(Attributed)
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…