Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth

Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth

The quote "Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth" holds a significant meaning in the context of Tacitus, a Roman historian known for his works on the history of the Roman Empire. Tacitus was well aware of the power of rumors and false accusations in shaping public opinion and tarnishing reputations. In his writings, he often highlighted the dangers of allowing calumny, or slander, to go unchallenged.

Tacitus understood that when a false accusation is ignored or neglected, it can quickly spread and gain credibility. People are naturally drawn to scandal and gossip, and if a rumor is left unchecked, it can take on a life of its own. This is why Tacitus emphasized the importance of addressing calumny head-on and not allowing it to fester and grow.

Furthermore, Tacitus recognized that when someone reacts emotionally to a false accusation, it can inadvertently lend credibility to the slander. By showing that you are hurt or defensive, you give the appearance that there may be some truth to the accusations. This is a dangerous trap to fall into, as it can further damage your reputation and make it harder to refute the false claims.