To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold an office.

The saying argues that public office demands steadiness of purpose: a leader who abandons a sound course because of criticism, slander, or popular opinion lacks the resilience and judgment required for governance. Implicit is a distinction between legitimate counsel and mere “men’s opinions” or misrepresentation; the officeholder must be able to endure reputational attacks without letting them dictate policy. The sentiment fits a Roman ideal of gravitas and constantia—firmness under pressure—and it also reflects the reality that political and military leaders are routinely judged by rumor and partisan blame. In effect, it treats susceptibility to public noise as a disqualifying weakness, because it makes leadership reactive rather than principled.