A Negro just can't be whipped by somebody white and return with his head up in the neighborhood, especially in those days, when sports and, to a lesser extent show business, were the only fields open to Negroes, and when the ring was the only place a Negro could whip a white man and not be lynched.

What people say behind your back is your standing in the community in which you live.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

Shall I be remembered after death? I sometimes think and hope so. But I trust I may not be found out before my death.

Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known than their crimes.

There are two modes of establishing our reputation; to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.

There are many who dare not kill themselves for fear of what the neighbors will say.

A man's real life is that accorded to him in the thoughts of other men by reason of respect or natural love.

What shall I do to be for ever known, And make the age to come my own?

If you would not be known to do anything, never do it.