Meaning: The quote "Scandal dies sooner of itself, than we could kill it" by Benjamin Rush, a renowned scientist and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, captures the essence of the fleeting nature of scandals. Benjamin Rush was a physician, politician, social reformer, and humanitarian who played a significant role in the early years of the United States. His quote reflects his understanding of human behavior and the dynamics of scandalous events in society.

In essence, the quote suggests that scandals have a tendency to lose their impact and fade away over time, often without deliberate efforts to suppress or eliminate them. This observation speaks to the transient nature of scandals and the public's short attention span when it comes to sensational news and controversies.

Scandals, by their very nature, often generate intense public interest and media coverage. They can be fueled by gossip, rumors, and sensationalism, spreading rapidly through modern communication channels such as social media and news outlets. However, as time passes, the public's attention shifts to new events and controversies, causing older scandals to lose their relevance and significance.

One possible interpretation of Benjamin Rush's quote is that the public's interest in scandals is inherently temporary. While scandals may initially capture widespread attention and provoke strong reactions, their impact tends to diminish as new events and issues emerge. This natural process of fading interest and shifting focus contributes to the eventual demise of scandals, as they are overshadowed by more current and pressing concerns.

Moreover, Rush's observation may also allude to the futility of trying to suppress or eliminate scandals through concerted efforts. In many cases, attempts to quell or control a scandal only serve to prolong its lifespan and keep it in the public eye. Rush's insight suggests that scandals have a self-limiting quality, and that they are destined to lose their power and influence as time goes on.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of public perception and the collective memory of society. It implies that scandals, despite their initial impact, are ultimately destined to be overshadowed and forgotten as new events take center stage. This phenomenon may reflect the human tendency to prioritize immediate concerns and to move on from past controversies in the pursuit of current affairs.

In conclusion, Benjamin Rush's quote "Scandal dies sooner of itself, than we could kill it" offers a thought-provoking insight into the transient nature of scandals and the public's evolving attention span. It suggests that scandals have a natural lifecycle, ultimately losing their potency and relevance over time. This observation provides valuable perspective on the dynamics of public perception and the ephemerality of scandalous events in society.