The Noblest Remedy for Calumny
"If anyone speaks ill of thee," said Epictitus, "consider whether he has truth on his side; if so, reform thyself that his censures may not affect thee." When Anaximander was told that the very boys laughed at his singing, "Ay," said he, "then I must learn to sing better." Plato, being told that he had many enemies who spoke ill of him, said, "It is no matter; I will live so that none shall believe them." Hearing at another time that an intimate friend of his had spoken detractively of him, he said: "I am sure he would not do it if he had not some reason for it." This is the surest, as well as the noblest way of drawing the sting out of a reproach, and the true method of preparing a man for that great and only relief against the pains of calumny—a good conscience.—Sel.