Today it could be a brand, a rank, or maybe even a nickname (e.g. Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins) but reputation still remains what it was a thousand years ago - someone else’s impression on oneself or, in other words, it’s what one is known for. And over the years, attention to one’s reputation has always been a top concern among politicians, entertainers, and leaders in general. Reputation, however, can be thought of as a double-edged sword, case-in-point - Ferdinand Magellan.
In the 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines through the Visayas. He then befriended the Cebuano natives and gained their trust. But just when things were starting to look up, here comes Lapu-lapu flashing his bolo and telling him “No.” Lapu-lapu shook his fist in defiance to the Spanish rule and spat at the idea of submission (much like Leonidas to Persian emissary in 300). Long story short, Magellan attacked and had his world rocked by none other than Lapu-lapu. For that time, Mactan bamboo triumphed over Toledo steel and Lapu-lapu had labeled himself as the Leonidas of 1521.
Being perhaps the only conquistador in history not to use natives against each other, Magellan has proved one point - that he was too arrogant for his own good. He had all the support of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon, yet relied solely on his troops - armed to the teeth with Spanish steel - one of the best in the world at the time. But what could have led to this conquistador's humiliating demise?
Perhaps he regarded the reputation of Spanish technology too highly, and forgot that their heavy armor disabled them in the mud. Perhaps he, being Portuguese, sought to construct a reputation of might and military prowess by defeating Lapu-lapu without the aid of natives to prove his worth before his new Queen. Either way we put it - reputation betrayed him, whether it was the reputation he thought he had or the reputation he sought to create. But can you blame him? Would you have done the same?
-Denis Andrew T. Flores
Hi 18-K
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reputation could also be a label. such that when lapu-lapu heard about magellan's attack, he "saw the label" from afar and was able to thoroughly prepare for it.which was probably how he defeated magellan. i guess it wasn't really magellan's fault.
in this case, it was the same sword, but someone else just saw it shining from afar. which was why that someone was able to prepare for the arrival.
jaclyn yap
hi18K
Reputation is a two- edged sword, as most things in politics are (consider two-faces, dual standards, double budget insertion, etc...)
Consider another prominent figure, Julius Caesar. By reputation, he was able to succeed in his political career. Being populares (the side who is mostly closer to the people) , decisive in his dealings with other politicians, and good with rhetoric - all of these fueled his campaign.
Add to that the many victories he won in his military career.
Popular, powerful, insanely influential in Roman pre-empire years (July was for him, yes), he was assassinated. By the Senate. By his friends.
Too much of a "heavenly" figure and too lowly of an image disgusts or angers some. As usual, finding the line between is a matter of life and limb.
-Dylan Valerio
hi18L
Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself.
it's interesting to note that reputations aren't static: they're bound to change. and they're not wholly constructed by the person who holds the reputation. the society to which the reputation belongs also creates and allows the creation of such a reputation.
As a social construction, therefore, I don't think Magellan can be blamed 100% for using only his troops to engage Lapu-lapu who, likewise, possibly operated on the same misguided prejudice that Magellan believed. I mean -- Lapu-lapu might've been scared out of his wits that he got paranoid and sent too many men into battle.
As part of an identity, then, Reputation also goes inward, towards the person and influences how a person relates to others by either bolstering or jeopardizing confidence. If one person feels bound by his/her reputation to act in a certain way, then it's something like a self-fulfilling prophecy. A positive reputation may encourage one to uphold it and vice versa a negative reputation. The true power, therefore, isn't in Reputation, per se, but in perspective and society -- just because a society says something is REAL (in the sense that we are able to fulfill its requirements), is it TRUE ?
kyra ballesteros
hi18K
deep and interesting insights there...although I'm having trouble understanding the point about something being "real" and/or "true." =/
I was mainly intrigued by Hernan Cortes and the conquest of the Aztecs (or was it the Mayans) that happened within the same century. But despite the tens of thousands of South American warriors (I doubt Mactan island - Lapu-lapu's island - had that many people at the time...so how about able warriors?), he managed to defeat them and secure Mexico. Cortes and Magellan - how were they different?
Magellan didn't use the natives against each other. Then I began to wonder...why? Perhaps it had some connection to the law stated above. So yeah. :)
-Denis Flores
Hi 18K
I agree with jackie... a reputation is a label.. and somehow, when one is labeled as such, there seems to be "pressure" to stick to or keep his/her label... he/she needs to satisfy(i'm not sure if satisy is the right word)the expectations that are attached to that label.
but what if your reputation is not that good? should you still "guard it with your life" or opt for change?
Anne Andrea Lacson
Hi18 K
@Andrea:
there's always infamy -- some people purposefully cultivate a "bad" reputation but that's not necessarily a bad thing. i think your reputation should serve you, not vice versa.
i agree with the law, too.
- kyra ballesteros hi18k
I found the comment of Dylan Valerio very interesting.
Julius Caesar was indeed popular among the masses but he was unpopular with the Senate. I guess it truly is a balancing act. And it was way harder for Caesar because during that time he had a lot of people to please. Nowadays you just need to please a few people and you're all set. Look at our beloved president, GMA. She doesn't have the support of the masses yet her reputation with the legislative manages to keep her in power. But then again, there's also the reputation of the administration's lack of concern for the extra-judicial killings that help keep the masses silent.
Anyway, the point is nowadays, you just have to know who to please and you'll be good enough. Less balancing acts required and I'm not sure this is a good thing.
Jaime Lizada
Hi 18K
I think Caesar's political skills were also important in his style of fighting, kind of like what Bruce Lee said, "the art of fighting without fighting."
In contrast to Rambo, Caesar would not obliterate an enemy completely, for example, and show them mercy. Thus creating a sort-of unspoken "debt" for their lives and creating pressure for the enemy if they choose to side with their friends in mounting another offensive against Caesar. But if they do make the mistake of attacking again, then that's the time he wipes them out.
@Jaime
So what would say GMA's reputation is?
Denis Flores
Hi 18K
Jaime
wow you sounded kinda sarcastic when you mentioned our beloved president...
so you say that GMA won because she knew who to please... i agree... you can't expect everyone to love you... so... what do you do ? make those who count love you ! :D
AnneAndreaLacson
Hi18 K
@ denis
I think her 7 years as president says something, considering 3 impeachment complaints, 2 coup d'etats, and a number of unconstitutional proclamations, human rights violations and scandals. She's earned the title of becoming literally "Untouchable" (not in the Caste System sense). Oh and don't forget she gets to pick 7 new Supreme Court justices this coming year. Just when I thought holding two branches of government was enough.
Personally, I think she's brilliant.
Law 5 applies with GMA. She used it to her advantage. Why would people bother to harass the government with riots and the like when they know they have little chance of success? GMA has managed to hold this reputation of being untouchable. And somehow people just let it be. After all, she is leaving come 2010... right?
Forgot to include this in my last comment...
Jaime Lizada
Hi18 K
@ Anne:
I think in political affairs, pleasing the right people has proved to be effective in keeping your position. I agree with what you said about making those who love you count.
I read an article a few months ago regarding this issue. There was a guy who held an important position in a certain department in the gov't. Later, he discovered that a lot of his co-workers (important people) were corrupt so, like a good citizen, he reported them. They were given their due punishments.
Fast forward to a few months later. The guy who reported the corrupt people was removed from his position and the corrupt people were back in their positions of power.
So what does that say to the Filipinos?
Also, you mentioned earlier about but what if your reputation is not that good? should you still "guard it with your life" or opt for change?
As seen in the example, it doesn't necessarily mean that if your reputation is good, things will work for you. In the world of politics, wouldn't you rather have a bad reputation but still remain in power?
Theresa Tan
Hi18K
@ Doods:
You said this a while back: although I'm having trouble understanding the point about something being "real" and/or "true."
I think what Kyra was saying (although I'm not sure if this is what she meant) was that if you had a reputation of being the smart, perfect valedictorian, but you actually did drugs. Not so perfect now, are you?
Just because people see you as having this image doesn't necessarily mean that you actually are what they perceive you to be.
I think that's the reason why the law is called "guard your reputation with your life" rather than "guard you true self with your life" or something like that.
Theresa Rosario Tan
Hi18K
Oh yeah, I forgot to ask. Is your post actually disagreeing with the law?
Magellan did guard his reputation with his life (literally), but what good did it do him?
Theresa Tan
Hi18K
@Theresa
that's exactly what i meant, thank you. i think the law boils down to what you make of yourself (quite literally ) according to other people. the self actualized by society.
you posed the question if you had a bad reputation, would you rather be in power and i think -- considering we're discussing the 48 laws of power -- that as long as you have the capacity for change then your reputation will change as well so better stay in power & in a position that will help that change.
that being said, Reputation can't be pegged down as either good or bad because individuals with varying moral attitudes and beliefs will always judge differently.
ballesteros hi18k
@ Kyra:
Are you referring to a change in reputation? Just because you're in a position of power doesn't necessarily mean that your reputation will change for the better. In fact, it will probably do the opposite as you will probably step on more toes.
I'm not sure if I understood it correctly, so if I didn't, I'm sorry.
Although certain things can't be pegged down as good or bad, I think, people generally have accepted beliefs on what is morally good or bad. I mean, generally, stealing (when you're not in dire need of money) is considered morally bad.
If you had a reputation of being corrupt, then wouldn't you say that's a bad reputation?
My opinion is that what is in question is if the "goodness" or "bad-ness" of your reputation is good or bad FOR YOU. That's what the observers can't judge.
Theresa Tan
Hi18K
@ theresa:
i did not specify what sort of change, i merely stated that being in a position of Power allows for a change in reputation.
i never assumed that being in power will help convince people that one is a better person (i quite agree that with Power comes infamy)
when i said that people tend to judge reputations differently, i meant that people don't necessarily believe that a Bad reputation is Bad for You
as in, Bullies enjoy their reputation as bullies.
also, what constitutes a bad reputation is subjective -- and rooted in history and context.
for example: prostitution, in some cultures a few hundred years ago, (courtesans, etc) enjoyed a significantly higher rank and a better reputation than their modern counterparts.
( i just read the latter part of your message and realized that my point and your point coincide.)
kyra ballesteros
hi18 k
@Theresa
I agree that one's reputation greatly influences the way people treat you. But I think reputation itself does not dictate your actions but rather the fear of losing it or altering it does.
Yeah Magellan guarded it with his life. Did it do him good? I think yes...because he may be considered a hero in Spain for discovering the Philippines which would later be a strategic location in the galleon trade.
He even has a monument at Cebu - Magellan's Cross. So I guess history doesn't view him as "the guy Lapu-lapu defeated," but a more dignified title like "the bringer of Christianity" or something like that. :D
Denis Flores
Hi 18K
@ Denis:
He's dead, though. He can't enjoy his "fame." I thought the purpose of these laws was to put a person in a position of power and to let him remain in that position.
Just my two cents.
Theresa Tan
hi18k
I think that a person's reputation lives on even in the afterlife. Though the deceased cannot literally enjoy or crumble in the face of the reputations they are plastered with, the reputations still exist amongst the living, and I believe that is enough to make anyone want to "guard it with your life."
We admire those who agree to change for the better(the better being in terms of what is socially correct), yet we also condone those who alter themselves in order to please others. "Weak," we say. A powerful person should withstand peer pressure. The Nazis considered themselves the supreme and powerful race, yet was it not that all they really did was conform to the ideas of their leaders?
I agree with Denis that the fear of losing or altering your reputation dictates your actions, and to add, I think that another factor would be trying to uphold that reputation, as Andrea said. How many of us have done or said something solely because it is what is expected of us? Staying true to yourself(or the "self" that others know you as) can also be seen as having strength and power-- the fact that in a time of crisis, you are able to resist change and remain exactly the same.
Yet we live in a world wherein it is hard to satisfy the majority, perhaps because opinions change in the blink of an eye. The term "balimbing" became so popular during the impeachment trials and for good reason. It is so common, especially in this country, for people to so conveniently change their minds about certain things or people when a particular situation becomes sketchy. We try to follow what we think we "should" and side with who we think can "save" us in the long run. The question of the credibility of a reputation then arises. When someone goes out of his way to "guard" his reputation, and in the process buries himself into a much deeper situation garnering unpleasant views from others, did he just not tarnish the reputation he was so valiantly trying to protect?
Regina Yulo
Hi18 L
@Theresa
right after I posted my comment that exact thing popped in my head: he's dead anyway lol. Hmm well...if he had family, perhaps they would benefit from his "fame." Maybe his nephew would be the talk of the town for a couple of days, or their family would receive some token from the king. XD
On a side note, it's ironic that some people become famous right after they die, like those painters whose paintings' value shoots up in the years following the artist's death. :(
Denis Flores
Hi 18K
I agree completely with this law. Like with most things in our society, even if it is slightly diminished by changing conventions, it's all about image. The image you project important because in a way it puts the others around you in their place. For example, in the The Godfather (1972), the Corleone crime family's presence in the neighborhood, albeit a little bit on the negative side, sent a message of power to those who would come to fear it (those killed to be made examples of) and who would come to benefit from it (paying protection money).
Bearing that pseudo-historical representation in mind, one can easily say that having and maintaining a reputation is important for any aspiring forces.
Joey Palma
HI18 K
I agree with this law because one's reputation would really have an effect on how other people would interact/communicate with that person.
For example, our policemen, here in the Philippines, have somewhat a negative reputation among the local citizens. This is probably so because most, if not all, might have encountered an "underground negotiation" with these law enforcers. Some average vendors in public markets who are trying to have a decent lifestyle are the ones who are often the victims of this so called negotiations. Policemen roam around their stalls and these locals have to give them their kotong or risk their spot of being taken away by another vendor who is more willing to pay the price. The sad thing about this situation is that these police officers who should give these vendors the feeling of security are the ones who are making them feel anxious and tense every time they are seen.
This is just one example on why our policemen have a bad reputation among us. There are still a lot of other instances that add up to this negative feedback on our enforcers and it would take some time to discuss all of it.
However, to be fair to our local enforcers, there are still quite a number of honorable and respectable officers who abide by the law. There are officers who are willing to risk their lives even when they are not in duty and there are others who wouldn't let money blind them.
Also, I would like to believe that the PNP have already taken action on the issue regarding the vendors for it has been going on for quite some time now. Therefore, the PNP chief should set more examples on those corrupt officers who abuse their power to satisfy their needs.
In doing so, not only would he be able to earn back the respect of the local citizens; he would also be able to guard the reputation and the name of our local policemen.
Tom Manahan
hi18k
This law reminds me of one of the concepts in social psychology (ok, psych major), particulary the ones of impression formation. They focus on first impressions, stereotypes, attribution, basically everything that this law talks about. An interesting note though is stereotype vulnerability: how what people say about you can transform you. You become more and more like the label that people give you. It's ironic how sometimes running away from categorization can just bring you closer to it.
Bea Ocampo
Hi18-K
honestly, I believe that reputation coincides with pride.
Even if it is a reputation wherein you are proud of or a reputation where you disgust yourself, it will always lead back to pride.
Why? Because that is how people know you. We are relational beings and no matter how much he say that we don't want to be known or vice versa, that is what you will be holding as an identifier to the world. It gives us something to be associated in order to relate with someone in order to become fully human. (as i just learned in theo. haha!)
Reputations are powerful things. Whatever people are known for are thought equal to it. This law holds a well placed warning: one's reputation can take years to build and can be destroyed in under 5 minutes. No one forgets a scandal, even when there is no proof of its veracity.
An example of the power of a tarnished reputation is that of Lucrezia Borgia's. She was the beautiful bastard daughter of Pope Alexander VI in the Renaissance period and through out her life until centuries later, many people still believe that she had sexual relations with *gasp* not only her brother, Cesare, but with her father as well. These rumors were started by her 1st husband, Giovanni Sforza, when he declared her guilty of incest when Alexander VI and Cesare tried to get them divorced (as Lucrezia's marriage to Giovanni was no longer advantageous to the Borgia family).
Although there have been no proofs to this day, Lucrezia and her family are continued to be seen as the epitome of the sexual corruption that was characteristic of the Renaissance. Because of all the wild rumors (of them having a kid together), Cesare and Lucrezia remain to be the poster boy-girl for fraternal incest today.
monica ang
hi 18 L
@the law
I think that reputation is very important to build because it would aid a person in making his networks stronger and larger and, in a way, what other people think of you matters. Knowing if reputation is "good or bad" all depends on how a person uses his reputation. For example, It is bad if he uses it to take advantage of other people.
just a thought: Don't let your reputation eat you. You might end up trying to please everyone and neglecting yourself just to keep that good reputation alive.
Clarice Manuel
Hi18 -K
Essentially, a leader is also a brand that needs a good marketing strategy, and a particular "saleability" to be able to assert his or her position of power.
This becomes problematic, however, when leaders put reputation above all else. This can be seen in the state of Philippine society today: much of the people in the government bank on their reputation, more than their capabilities, to gain people's votes and to continue staying in power. A capable leader with a nonexistent reputation will never be put to power. An incapable politician with a good reputation is more likely to gain a position in the government.
An ideal leader is someone who knows the value of reputation but more importantly, someone who is aware that he is a leader first, and a brand second.
Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L
Reputation can indeed do you a lot. Once you have established it, whether it may be good or bad, all else follows. Not everybody has the opportunity to know every individual. Let's face it every second can make or break how people perceive you.
* for the comment before this. add:
Rhea Entuna
HI18-L
* for the comment before this. add:
Rhea Entuna
HI18-L
@Monica, I agree about how some situations make people the poster boy/girl of an indecent/wrong act. Winona Ryder, an accomplished actress, is now synonymous with shoplifting. A common question asked is "Why are Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian famous?" Most people would say that it was because they made sex tapes. It saddens me to think that careers and lives can be ruined because of one wrong move. With today's technology, reputations are ruined daily online. Pictures of your one drunken night a weekend ago can be posted in minutes on Facebook. Also,everyone has to live with the thought that skeletons that you thought were long-burried in your closet can be dug up at any moment to destroy life as you know it.
Regina A. Yulo
Hi18 L
Reputation is a something very important since it can be used so that others can know who you are and what you are capable of. However, reputation can also be dangerous especially if it goes to a person's head; it can lead to hubris and in Magellan's case, his demise.
Sean Co
Hi18 K
i think reputation is very important because it is one of the few things you will have with you even after you die. people will remember you and will contemplate about how you lived your life through your reputation. i think magellan did what he did because want to establish his reputation as a hero. he wanted to die by the sword instead of going back to his home country as a failure. he wanted to be an honorable warrior, which was a reputation that most men wanted to have especially during those times.
John Kristoffer M. Gomez
hi18 - section L
dying for honor is one thing we've seen throughout history. In Japan warriors prefer to die rather than lose face. Commanders of modern armies still prefer to die by their bullet rather than come out defeated. In Magellan's case it could be possible, he could have wanted to die for the name of Spain.
there's one issue that I had in mind and it revolved over who did the killing. In european history nobles dying to other nobles was considered to be honorable. Knights testing each other's mettle was a challenge to one's honor - a game to the upper class. Feudalistic Europe was socially stratified, there were knights, lords, peasants, vassals, serfs. So what does this have to do with Magellan? I'm just asking if it was still honorable to die by "lowly" natives who don't even speak your language or play by your rules. Seen from this point of view, Magellan's death could be somewhat embarrassing rather than honorable.
Just my two cents.
Denis Flores
Hi 18K
First of all, I think it's great that you found a good way to relate this to the Philippine historical context. Second, I agree how Magellan should have had sought after the support of the natives although there is definitely a risk in doing so. It's either the natives know and believe that they have to embrace this other more advanced culture and support it fully or to stick to their own and fight these civilians whose only motive is to take their land and destroy their clan. Magellan did not take such risk, and probably so why he did not succeed. He went for his own pride and wanted to prove himself worthy by trying to have the control all by himself. This to make his reputation more valuable to the peoples of Portugal. Well, that his fault.
Czarina Kathryne Masagca
Hi18-L
@Czarina
"This to make his reputation more valuable to the peoples of Portugal. Well, that his fault."
I could only imagine how bitter Portugal would feel if Magellan made it back. Portugal would have been the first country to circumnavigate the world, but they just happened to have some problems with Magellan, so Spain takes the cheese lol. I also wonder on what would have happened if we were under Portuguese rule instead of Spain's...hmm
Denis Flores
Hi 18K
Great example.
I think pride got the best of Magellan. He was so sure of himself that he didn't even bother seeking assistance. He assumed that he had to live up to his "reputation" and probably thought that no one could be greater than him. I guess, in his mind, he already had a reputation and he just wanted to "maintain" that. As we can see, however, none of his plans worked. He didn't exactly come out on top.
Just a word of advice: Don't pretend that you are all-knowing just because you think you have a splendid status. In reality, you may not even be that great.
Monica Copuyoc
Hi18- L
it is really important to guard your reputation because this is what you are known for. if you maintain a clean and great name, i think people will treat you well. how you appear to other people really matters because this can dictate how they will treat you.
after having read your blog, i remembered one famous pba player. he had been playing in the league for a very long time already and was actually popular. there was one incident where in he was tested positive in a drug test. although he claimed that he did not take drugs, the results proved otherwise. whether he really took drugs or not, the situation still affected his reputation. people could remember him for testing positive for drugs. in a way, i think his name was stained? it was just unfortunate for him because even though it's possible that he was telling the truth, a lot of people could choose not to believe him. in an interview, he defended himself by saying that he worked so hard to build and protect his name throughout his entire career, and that he thought it was foolish if he were just going to ruin it in the end because of drugs. that was his side...
-Philip Albert T. Verde
Hi18 K
Reputation can work for or against you. While it does help the illusion of greatness from afar, it can ruin you if you don't live up to it. Once again, we stress the significance of illusions. People belive what they want to believe, and if they want to see a hero they will.
Being preceded by a good reputation makes it easier for you to get people to accept you. It also prevents you from surprising your enemies.
A great rep may be a disadvantage in war, but a good name helps keep you in power (providing you have some in the first place). Rulers are expected to lead by example, and doing anything inappropriate can immediately diminish you in the public's eye.
Du, L
Reputation is a tricky topic. Although having a reputation of brilliance and achievement can do good for a person's ego, that person will constantly be haunted by living up to people's expectations. It can be nerve wrecking and frustrating when you are not able to meet the expectations that people have of you, you end up feeling like a total failure and undermine your own capabilities. I remember in one of my psychology classes we talked about the ideal self and the real self. Let us say that the ideal self is what people perceive us to be and the real self is who we really are. If we continue to strive to reach our ideal self we will end up being depressed and angry at ourselves because no one can be perfect and everyone is flawed in more ways than one. I believe that in dealing with reputations people have to have an open mind towards it. We shouldn't let our reputation wholly define our identity because in most cases what people perceive about us isn't who we truly are.
Teri Marcelo
Hi 18-K
yes i believe that i wouldve done the same if i were magellan. he was superior in every aspect of technology and had the advantage of longer weapon range and more experienced men. but what i believe that i wouldve done differently would be that i wouldve tried to get to know the terrain first. their heavy armor weighed the spaniards down in the water making them easy targets for the spears and bolos of the natives in the water.
joey regala Hi18K
reputation is a very, very powerful thing; it can make you, or break you. people from far aways lands can know that you exist because of reputation; it travels, fast. they can fear you, they can idolize you, or they can laugh at you, all because your reputation is how it is. a reputation is like a nickname, a shortcut to who you are. it's created by you, and by other people as well. a great reputation will garner respect and prestige, but a lousy one will generate nothing. So if you want to be powerful, better make tour reputation your bestfriend.
Kriska Rivadillo
Hi18 K
It can work both ways. Reputation is a good way of spreading your ideology, but I believe you can be just as much of a threat by being mysterious instead of having several of your character traits distinguish you. I believe that people have to go beyond the restrictions of reputation and become dynamic, organic to change, in order to gain power.
Peep Warren
Hi18-L
I agree with this law. Reputation is very important in a person's career life. Reputation has the power to both ruin and improve the career state of a person. Although reputation is not everything, people in the society seem to believe the norm when choosing / hiring people for work. I think it is really important to guard it and manage it at our best. Good reputation will never do us any harm.
Yu Chin Hong
Hi18-K
News travels fast... and so does one's reputation. This law is quite obvious in a way. Honestly, who would want to be known for something so notorious that's enough to destroy them?
It's also very Chinese in culture, bringing honor to one's name. I always thought that disowning children did not make sense and is only done out of anger by the most unforgivable people. I guess i also see the rationale behind this too. As selfish as it may sound, it's just one of the most effective ways to rise to power
Krizia Javate
Hi18K
I can't agree with you more when you say that a reputation can be thought of as a double-edged sword. It can either work for you or against you, both ways, can extreme lengths. The task here now, is how to build a good one. Because of it's paradoxical nature, a reputation can either enable or limit one's actions and the reactions one gets. Either way, a reputation is an immensely powerful and valuable thing.
Elise Noelle Anne Lim
Hi18 Section L
It's true that much of who you are depends on your reputation, but doesn't reputation change overtime? Take for example Jesus. He was pretty much hated by people because of what He proclaimed. But don't we all (well, not all... most of us) respect Him now? :-)
Anyway, it's still good to build a good reputation for yourself. I forgot who said it, but one celebrity said that, "Your reputation is the best investment that you could get for yourself."
PC Magnaye
Hi18-K
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