"While you're saving your face, you're losing your ass"

This quote by Lyndon B. Johnson is a cautioning to be careful of how one provides themselves. It is a reminder to not be too concerned with looks and to concentrate on the bigger picture. Johnson is recommending that if one is too concentrated on saving face, they might be losing out on more important chances. He is cautioning versus being too concerned with what others think and rather to concentrate on the long-lasting objectives. Johnson is highlighting that it is important to be mindful of how one presents themselves, however not to the point of sacrificing more important objectives. He is encouraging people to be knowledgeable about their reputation, but to not let it get in the way of achieving their objectives.