Socrates provides the timeless formula for building a genuine reputation. Many people focus on managing perceptions—on "appearing" to be good, smart, or kind. But this is a fragile foundation that often crumbles under scrutiny.

The true path is to focus on your actual character. You must "endeavor to be" the person you want others to see. If you want a reputation for honesty, be scrupulously honest. If you want to be known as hardworking, put in the work. Your reputation will then be a natural and accurate reflection of who you are, not a carefully constructed facade.

This quote is a call to live with integrity and authenticity. It reminds us that the most respected reputation is earned not through self-promotion, but through consistent alignment between your inner values and your outer actions.