Who said “His reputation is what men say he is. That can be damaged; but reputation is for time,…”?

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John B. Gough. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceDictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895)

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“His reputation is what men say he is. That can be damaged; but reputation is for time, character is for eternity.”
— John B. Gough
VerifiedDictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895) · evidenceReputation
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895).

APA

Gough, J. B. (n.d.). His reputation is what men say he is. That can be damaged; but reputation is for time, character is for eternity. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19311-his-reputation-is-what-men-say-he-is/

MLA

Gough, John B. “His reputation is what men say he is. That can be damaged; but reputation is for time, character is for eternity.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19311-his-reputation-is-what-men-say-he-is/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Gough, John B. “His reputation is what men say he is. That can be damaged; but reputation is for time, character is for eternity.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19311-his-reputation-is-what-men-say-he-is/.

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