In every affair consider what precedes and what follows, and then undertake it

Ones reputation is like a shadow, it is gigantic when it precedes you, and a pigmy in proportion when it follows.

The reputation of a man is like his shadow, gigantic when it precedes him, and pigmy in its proportions when it follows.

Recognition of function always precedes recognition of being.

A drink precedes a story.

My reputation precedes me now.