Reputation VS. Character

Ah, a debate I have been pondering over for quite some time...more recently.  I once had someone tell me that your reputation is all that you had.  This coming from a guy who wanted to be the center of attention and only cared about what people thought of him.  Although I agree on some of his arguments, I was more one of character...sticking strong by my beliefs of what was right and wrong.  We didn't stand a chance, and I wasn't well liked for that.

Lately, learning about military life then and now has me really thinking about what is more important.  Reputation or character?  

Reputation has been defined as:

The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. A widespread belief that someone or something has a particular habit or characteristic.

Character has been defined as:

• The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. The distinctive nature of something.

It is not what he had, or even what he does which expresses the worth of a man, but what he is.

• -Henri Frederic Amiel

From my experience, there are obviously good and bad reputations, one taking much longer then another to build.  Amazing how quickly one can crumble though...and with much speculation?!#*  Is there ever a truth to come out though?  This is where I often had trouble.  I will openly admit that I burned bridges or wasn't one to be popular.  Maybe it was because what I thought was wrong (in my head/heart) wasn't a majority decision.  Tough!  Just because someone doesn't go along with what everyone else thinks or feels...do they deserve a negative reputation?  Too often now I see that as the case.  Hard work, strong virtue or character can often lead to a less then stellar reputation because these people stand for what they believe in and are not easily swayed by popular vote.  

I guess my inspiration for this entry is Ryan.  The Air Force is a long standing military branch that serves the greater good with its mission.  But, what if there are people with true valuable character who do serve the greater good whose reputations are tainted by others who simply don't like them or agree?  They can actually sway people's opinions of this persons reputation based on hear-say.  Character then looses...but should it?

  His reputation is what men say he is. That can be damaged; but reputation is for time, character is for eternity.
-John B. Gough

If reputation is all you have, then what does your character stand for?  I have a strong sense of character. I am extremely loyal and if people cross me, I will be honest, I have a difficult time forgiving them.  Trust is important to me.  For people to know exactly where they stand with me and can accept me for the good and bad, then that is more important then reputation.  If we all agreed and always cared about how people felt about us, we'd rarely take risks and get things done.  

I'd rather stand by and support Ryan and his character.  He isn't perfect...who is?  He would rather stand proud and work hard...knowing who he is and what he has to offer...then to waste time arguing with people who don't like him and feel the need to taint his reputation.  Those people are working against the greater good of the mission.  Just sayin'.  

So, what is more important to you..reputation or character?