Endeavour to be what you are reputed to be, or what you are solicitous to be esteemed. We are all of us desirous that the world should think well of us, let us labour then to deserve their good opinion. Sycophants and flatterers might be of use to us, if, when we hear ourselves commended by them for qualities which we are conscious we do not possess, we should forthwith set about to acquire them.