Taking Care of a Good Name

A good name is not for great excellence, but only for ordinary honesty and integrity of life. Philothea does not allow us to heed the counsel of the wise man who admonishes us to take care of a good name. Excessive fear over losing our good name reveals that we are not quite so sure that it has a solid foundation as virtue. Reputation is nothing more than a sign pointing out the true dwelling place of virtue.