He that would be reverenced and respected by the rest of mankind, must
lay in a foundation for it of some kind or other; for people cannot be
persuaded to pay deference and esteem for nothing. So that, though we
have lived in good repute in the world, if ever we should happen to
outlive our stock, we must not be surprised to find ourselves slighted
and affronted, even by the vilest scum of the people. If therefore we
would raise to ourselves a dignity that will continue not only to the
end of our lives, but extend itself far down among the ages of
posterity, we should take care to establish it upon a foundation of
virtue and good-nature: this will not only preserve us from the insults
of enemies, but, upon occasion, surround us with a trusty guard of
faithful and sincere friends.