Quotation, like much better things, has its abuses. One…
“Quotation, like much better things, has its abuses. One may quote till one compiles. The ancient lawyers used to quote at the bar till they had stagnated their own cause.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive quoting can become a hindrance, turning scholarship into stagnation
In simple terms: Overquoting can stall progress and dilute original thought
Key Takeaway
Quote sparingly and prioritize original analysis
Themes
scholarship
communication
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Academic writing
- legal argumentation
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Intellectual integrity
argumentation
historical precedent
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to paraphrase rather than quote?
- How does overquoting affect credibility?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on quotes may mask lack of personal insight