Nicolas Chamfort Quotes

True dignity is never gained by place, and never lost when honors are withdrawn.

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

The value of a man is in his intrinsic qualities: in that of which power cannot strip him and which adverse fortune cannot take away. That for which he is indebted to circumstances is mere trapping and tinsel.

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.

It is not what he had, or even what he does which expresses the worth of a man, but what he is.

Character is the indelible mark that determines the only true value of all people and all their work.

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.

Men are not great or small because of their material possessions. They are great or small because of what they are.

Every person has a different view of another person's image. That's all perception. The character of a man, the integrity, that's who you are.

No one can disgrace us but ourselves.

Our own heart, and not other men's opinions form our true honor.

The only respect you should have is the one you earn.

All of us wish for a dignity that commands respect. But few have it.

I never wanted to lose who I am, my character or my integrity for the sake of Hollywood.

Something greater than wealth, grander even than fame — that manhood, character, stand for success, and that nothing else really does.

Let men see, let them know, a real man, who lives as he was meant to live.

I still had some honor... I still have some now.

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

The place does not make the man, nor the sceptre the king. Greatness is from within.

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

When all is said and done the only thing you'll have left is your character.

My mother taught me that when you stand in the truth and someone tells a lie about you, don't fight it.

I would not do anything to besmirch my reputation any further than it has already been.

Let them hate me, provided they respect my conduct.

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