A learned historian declared to me of a contemporary, that…
“A learned historian declared to me of a contemporary, that the latter had appropriated his researches; he might, indeed, and he had a right to refer to the same originals; but if his predecessor had opened the sources for him, gratitude is not a silent virtue.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A historian notes that while later scholars may use earlier research, gratitude should not be silent; acknowledgment of sources is a moral duty.
In simple terms: Acknowledging sources is a moral responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Give credit to original researchers.
Themes
history
ethics
scholarship
gratitude
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research papers
- academic citations
- peer review
- teaching
Key Concepts
intellectual honesty
academic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance credit with original contribution?
- What policies ensure proper attribution?
A Different Perspective
Acknowledgment alone may not compensate for misuse of ideas.