Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about. And since we know least about ourselves, we are ready to believe all that is said about us. Hence the mysterious power of both flattery and calumny.
I never think it necessary to repeat calumnies; they are sparks, which, if you do not blow them, will go out of themselves.
Calumny is a vice of curious constitution; trying to kill it keeps it alive; leave it to itself and it will die a natural death.
There are calumnies against which even innocence loses courage.
His calumny is not only the greatest benefit a rogue can confer on us, but the only service he will perform for nothing.
Calumny is a monstrous vice: for, where parties indulge in it, there are always two that are actively engaged in doing wrong, and one who is subject to injury. The calumniator inflicts wrong by slandering the absent; he who gives credit to the calumny before he has investigated the truth is equally implicated. The person traduced is doubly injured--first by him who propagates, and secondly by him who credits the calumny.
It is harder to kill a whisper than even a shouted calumny.
Calumny is like counterfeit money; many people who would not coin it circulate it without qualms.
I have much to say why my reputation should be rescued from the load of false accusation and calumny which has been heaped upon it.
If thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny.
It is often better not to see an insult than to avenge it.
Calumny is only the noise of madmen.
Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.
Nothing will ever equal that moment of joyous excitement which filled my whole being when I felt myself flying away from the earth. It was not mere pleasure; it was perfect bliss. Escaped from the frightful torments of persecution and of calumny, I felt that I was answering all in rising above all.
Calumniate, calumniate; there will always be something which sticks.
To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny
Nothing is so swift as calumny, nothing is more easily propagated, nothing more readily credited, nothing more widely circulated.
Calumny is like the wasp which worries you, and which it is not best to try to get rid of unless you are sure of slaying it; for otherwise it returns to the charge more furious than ever.
I am beholden to calumny, that she hath so endeavored to belie me. -It shall make me set a surer guard on myself, and keep a better watch upon my actions.
Calumniators are those who have neither good hearts nor good understandings. We ought not to think ill of any one till we have palpable proof; and even then we should not expose them to others.
