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Quotes

The slander of some people is as great a recommendation as the praise of others.

—Henry Fielding, 1730

There is a demon who puts wings on certain tales and launches them like eagles out into space.

—Alexandre Dumas, 1846

The more sifted, the finer the flour; the more often repeated, the rougher the gossip.

—Korean proverb

Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco pipes of those who diffuse it; it proves nothing but the bad taste of the smoker.

—George Eliot, 1876

It is one thing to slander, another to accuse.

—Marcus Tullius Cicero, 56 BC

Show me someone who never gossips, and I’ll show you someone who isn’t interested in people.

—Barbara Walters, 1975

Gossip is the opiate of the oppressed.

—Erica Jong, 1973

A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run.

—Ouida, 1880

Never make a defense or apology before you be accused.

—Charles I, 1636

A private sin is not so prejudicial in this world as a public indecency.

—Miguel de Cervantes, 1615

The purest joy is to live without disguise, unconstrained by the ties of a grave reputation.

—Al-Hariri, c. 1108

Journalists belong in the gutter, because that is where the ruling classes throw their guilty secrets.

—Gerald Priestland, 1988

Speak without regard for the consequences, and it is too late for silence when disaster strikes.

—Huan Kuan, 81 BC