Judith Martin Quotes

I'm more interested in being good than being famous.

When the sacredness of one's word is matched in the attributes of his character throughout, all that constitutes a man, then we find that there is something in a man's life greater than his occupation or his achievements; grander than acquisition or wealth; higher than genius; more enduring than fame.

I probably get strangers coming up to me two or three times a week to just say something nice. I get more than my share of compliments as I walk through my daily life. I'm not having to show off or make a point about how good I am at doing something. I think I've always kind of been that way.

I could be a jerk and get a lot more publicity, but that's not who I am.

On the whole, it is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.

The more things a man is ashamed of, the more respectable he is.

Modesty is the conscience of the body.

You can be deprived of your money, your job and your home by someone else, but remember that no one can ever take away your honor.

I should be known for my work and not how I promote myself and what I do.

Yes, I am proud, and very humble too.

Do you wish people to think well of you? Don't speak well of yourself.

It is fortunate to be of high birth, but it is no less so to be of such character that people do not care to know whether you are or are not.

Honor's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times.

Say nothing good of yourself, you will be distrusted; say nothing bad of yourself, you will be taken at your word.

The coming of honor or disgrace must be a reflection of one's inner power.

My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.

I'm okay if people don't know who I am, but if you remember my character that would be great.

I may be revered or defamed and decried; But I tried to live my life right.

When you're righteous, you don't have to tell people that you're righteous.

There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.

No sex, age, or condition is above or below the absolute necessity of modesty; but without it one vastly beneath the rank of man.

My father used to say, 'Let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary.'

No age, sex, or condition is above or below the absolute necessity of modesty; but without it one is vastly beneath the rank of man.

Real worth requires no interpreter: its everyday deeds form its emblem.

It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.