[On her use of quotations:] When a thing has been said so…
![“[On her use of quotations:] When a thing has been said so well that it could not be said better, why paraphrase it? Hence my writing, is, if not a cabinet of fossils, a kind of collection of flies in amber.” quote by Marianne Moore](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/eb0/marianne-moore-3315_amber_on-her-use-of-quotations-when-a-thing-ha_1508239.png)
“[On her use of quotations:] When a thing has been said so well that it could not be said better, why paraphrase it? Hence my writing, is, if not a cabinet of fossils, a kind of collection of flies in amber.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When a statement is perfectly expressed, copying it adds no value; original writing is a curated collection of ideas.
In simple terms: Perfectly said ideas need no paraphrase; original work gathers unique insights.
Key Takeaway
Value originality, avoid unnecessary repetition.
Themes
originality
writing
quotation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic essays
- creative writing
- editing
Key Concepts
literature
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- When is paraphrasing appropriate?
- How do you balance originality with homage?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on originality can stifle useful references.