A graceful taunt is worth a thousand insults.
—Louis Nizer (1902–1994) American Lawyer, Author
Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
In nine times out of ten, the slanderous tongue belongs to a disappointed person.
—George Bancroft (1800–91) American Historian , Statesman
O, she is the antidote to desire.
—William Congreve (1670–1729) English Playwright, Poet
He who does not shield himself from vilification receives it.
—Arabic Proverb
I’ve had a wonderful evening – but this wasn’t it.
—Groucho Marx (1890–1977) American Actor, Comedian, Singer
The poorest way to face life is to face it with a sneer.
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Explorer
An insult is either sustained or destroyed, not by the disposition of those who insult, but by the disposition of those who bear it.
—John Chrysostom (c.347–407 CE) Archbishop of Constantinople
She looked as if she had been poured into her clothes and had forgotten to say ‘when.’
—P. G. Wodehouse (1881–1975) British Novelist, Short-story Writer, Playwright
Man is much more sensitive to the contempt of others than to self-contempt.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
Men are apt to offend (’tis true) where they find most goodness to forgive.
—William Congreve (1670–1729) English Playwright, Poet
It is a weakness of your human nature to hate those whom you have wronged.
—Tacitus (56–117) Roman Orator, Historian
If you can’t ignore an insult, top it; if you can’t top it, laugh it off; and if you can’t laugh it off, it’s probably deserved.
—Russell Lynes (1910–91) American Art Historian, Photographer, Author, Editor
Slander cannot destroy the man … when the flood recedes, the rock is there.
—Chinese Proverb