[17]
Guard yourself against accusations, even if they are false; for the multitude are ignorant of the truth and look only to reputation. In all things resolve to act as though the whole world would see what you do; for even if you conceal your deeds for the moment, later you will be found out. But most of all will you have the respect of men, if you are seen to avoid doing things which you would blame others for doing.1
1 Apparently borrowed form Thales. See Diog. Laert. 1.36 ἐὰν τοῖς ἀλλοις ἐπιτιμῶμεν αὐτοὶ δρῶμεν. Cf. Isoc. 1.14 and note.
Isocrates. Isocrates with an English Translation in three volumes, by George Norlin, Ph.D., LL.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1980.
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