“Years of treachery will befall the people when the liar is deemed truthful and the truthful one is deemed a liar; when the deceitful one is deemed faithful and the faithful one is deemed deceitful; and when the Ruwaybida makes pronouncements.” It was then asked, “Who is the Ruwaybida, O Messenger of God?” To which he replied, “He is the worthless man who speaks on behalf of the masses.”

—Hadith

If what they see is good, they cast aspersions on it

And if what they see is evil, then everyone fights for it.

No one is safe from harm

And no one ignores a misdeed.

—Ibn Durayd al-Azdi

We only hide that which is truly meaningful and genuine.

That is why vile feelings are so powerful.

—Emil Cioran