Marcus often reminded himself how much energy people burn worrying what others think, and how little those others actually think about us at all. They're busy with their own lives. Chasing a good reputation is exhausting because it puts your peace in other people's hands, where it can't be safe. Caring about your character, on the other hand, keeps the work close to home, where you can actually do it. You don't need to perform goodness for an audience. You just need to be it, quietly, including when no one's watching. That's the steadier ground. Today, do one right thing that no one will praise you for, and let that be plenty.

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