And though there’s a grain of truth in every rumor, I’ve found that the worst gossip usually starts with something harmless.

Never settle for half the story, and make-up and imagine the rest. Get the full Story!

The cold hard truth will fall on stony ground, whereas your all-around trashy rumor will flourish like a weed.

Don't forget this, too: Rumors aren't interested in the unsensational story; rumors don't care what's true.

I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them

When you are rich and powerful, no one will challenge you to your face or give you a chance to explain yourself. All the whispers are behind your back. You are left with no means of clearing your own name. And after a while you realize there is no point in even attempting to do so. No one wants the truth. All anyone wants is the chance to add more fuel to the fires of gossip. The whispers become so loud that sometimes you think you will drown in them.