Marcus reminded himself how strange it is that we love ourselves less than we love other people's view of us, twisting ourselves to match what a crowd might think. But you can't control the opinions in someone else's head. You can only control what you actually do. Spend your effort there, on being honest, fair, and kind, and let the reputation sort itself out as it will. People may misjudge you anyway. That stings, but it doesn't touch the thing that matters, which is the truth of how you acted. A clear conscience is quieter company than applause, and it's the one verdict you actually get to write.

Inspired by the old idea of character over reputation. Written by Ugo Charles.