Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first…
“Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first quoter of it. Many will read the book before one thinks of quoting a passage. As soon as he has done this, that line will be quoted east and west.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The first to quote a good sentence spreads it widely; reading precedes quoting.
In simple terms: Reading precedes quoting; early readers spread ideas.
Key Takeaway
Read before quoting to understand context.
Themes
knowledge
communication
literature
influence
Mood
thoughtful
educational
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- public speaking
- social media
Key Concepts
epistemology
cultural transmission
authorship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does early reading shape your interpretation?
- What responsibilities come with quoting others?
A Different Perspective
Quotes can be misused without context.