proverb · Words worth keeping
A good name is better than fine perfume.
A good name is better than fine perfume.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A good name preferred to fine perfume contrasts reputation with an appealing surface impression. The saying gives how conduct is remembered more value than a pleasing presentation.
What the words are saying
A responsible reading does not equate reputation with verified character: public judgment can be mistaken or unfair. A useful application considers actual actions and accountability alongside appearance. Perfume is an image, not a product ranking or a reason to judge someone’s worth from acclaim.
Everyday example
Someone looks at a person’s conduct rather than trusting only an attractive presentation or celebrated name.
When to use it
Use it to discuss lasting conduct with reputation open to scrutiny.
What it does not mean
No automatic truth of reputation or human worth from public approval is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 546; PDF page 52; collection label: Assyria/Ethiopia
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Assyria/Ethiopia