My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning, malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody's friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and wreck marriages. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I spawn suspicion and generate grief. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. Office gossip - shop gossip - party gossip - telephone gossip. I make headlines and headaches. Remember, before you repeat a story, ask yourself: is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary? If not, do not repeat it. Keep quiet! Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, shallow mind discuss people.
- Ann Landers