John Gay Quotes

Some men do as much begrudge others a good name, as they want one themselves: and perhaps that is the reason of it.

There's always someone who wants to make you look bad.

People are going to talk bad about you no matter who you are.

Malice delights to blacken the characters of prominent men.

My initial response was to sue her for defamation of character, but then I realized that I had no character.

To vilify a great man is the readiest way in which a little man can himself attain greatness.

Political leaders are not and cannot reasonably be expected to be indifferent to the cruelest calumnies aimed at their character.

A lot of people want to discredit me.

Someone's always saying something about me.

You can call me a fat, balding, talentless old queen who can't sing, but you can't tell lies about me.

Envy wounds with false accusations, that is with detraction, a thing which scares virtue.

Calumny ever pursues the great, even as the winds hurl themselves on high places.

It often happens that those are the best people whose characters have been most injured by slanderers: as we usually find that to be the sweetest fruit which the birds have been picking at.

Folks build a reputation by attacking you while you’re alive - or praising you after you ain’t.

Whoever feels pain in hearing a good character of his neighbor, will feel a pleasure in the reverse. And those who despair to rise in distinction by their virtues, are happy if others can be depressed to a level of themselves.

Those who speak against the great do not usually speak from morality, but from envy.

Judi Dench should be ashamed of herself for being so talented and working so much.

The only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them.

I don't care what you say about me. Just spell the name right.

Success makes so many people hate you. I wish it wasn't that way. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you.

Yet my humble capacity has not preserved me from calumnies.

There is a lust in man no charm can tame: Of loudly publishing his neighbor's shame: On eagles wings immortal scandals fly, while virtuous actions are born and die.

I'm not trying to take Cate Blanchett down.