If slander be a snake, it is a winged one - it flies as well as creeps

If slander be a snake, it is a winged one - it flies as well as creeps

Douglas Jerrold was a renowned English playwright, humorist, and satirist known for his sharp wit and biting commentary on society and politics. He was a master of the written word, using his pen to expose hypocrisy, challenge authority, and provoke thought. One of his most famous quotes, “If slander be a snake, it is a winged one - it flies as well as creeps,” perfectly encapsulates his understanding of the power of words and the danger of spreading false information.

In this quote, Jerrold is likening slander to a snake, a creature known for its stealth and cunning. Just as a snake can slither unnoticed through the grass, spreading fear and venom wherever it goes, slander can quietly poison reputations and relationships. But Jerrold goes a step further by adding that slander is a “winged” snake, implying that it has the ability to fly and spread even faster than it can crawl. This imagery highlights the speed and reach of false information in a society driven by gossip and sensationalism.

Jerrold understood the destructive nature of slander and the harm it can cause to individuals and communities. In his plays and writings, he often exposed the hypocrisy of those who spread rumors and lies for personal gain or to manipulate public opinion. He believed in the power of truth and the importance of holding people accountable for their words and actions.