The Art of Worldly Wisdom(86)

Prevent Scandal. Many heads go to make the mob, and in each of them are eyes for malice to use and a tongue for detraction to wag. If a single ill report spreads, it casts a blemish on your fair fame, and if it clings to you with a nickname, your reputation is in danger. Generally it is some salient defect or ridiculous trait that gives rise to the rumors. At times these are malicious additions of private envy to general distrust. For there are wicked tongues that ruin a great reputation more easily by a witty sneer than by a direct accusation. It is easy to get a bad reputation, because it is easy to believe evil but hard to eradicate. The wise accordingly avoid these mischances incidents, guarding against vulgar scandal with sedulous vigilance. It is far easier to prevent than to rectify.