Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: For he who survives his reputation, lives out of despite of himself, like a man listening to his own reproach.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1776
For he who survives his reputation, lives out of despite of himself, like a man listening to his own reproach.
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

From a letter in "The American Crisis," Paine reflects on the personal cost of a tarnished reputation.

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