If we steal thoughts from the moderns, it will be cried…
“If we steal thoughts from the moderns, it will be cried down as plagiarism; if from the ancients, it will be cried up as erudition.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Borrowing ideas from contemporary sources is condemned as plagiarism, while borrowing from ancient sources is praised as erudition.
In simple terms: Modern ideas copied = plagiarism; ancient ideas copied = erudition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize source context.
Themes
intellectual property
history
culture
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- creative arts
- education
Key Concepts
plagiarism
scholarship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cultural bias affect idea attribution?
- When is borrowing acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Modern and ancient sources may both be valuable.