Skip to content

I quote my father to people almost every day. Part of that…

“I quote my father to people almost every day. Part of that is because if you dispense your own wisdom, others often dismiss it; if you offer wisdom from a third party, it seems less arrogant and more acceptable. Of course, when you have someone like my dad in your back pocket, you can't help…” quote by Randy Pausch
Download Open image
““I quote my father to people almost every day. Part of that is because if you dispense your own wisdom, others often dismiss it; if you offer wisdom from a third party, it seems less arrogant and more acceptable. Of course, when you have someone like my dad in your back pocket, you can't help yourself. You quote him every chance you get.””

Randy Pausch

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People accept ideas more readily when attributed to others, reducing perceived arrogance and increasing influence.

In simple terms: Quoting others makes ideas seem less self‑promotional.

Key Takeaway

Use reputable sources to lend weight to your points.

Themes

communication humility influence

Mood

reflective strategic

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

  • presentations
  • team meetings
  • networking
  • teaching

Key Concepts

social proof authority bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does citing others affect your own authority?
  • When is it better to share personal insights?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on others may limit personal credibility if overused.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Randy Pausch

Explore all 347 Randy Pausch quotes

More Every day quotes

Browse all 16,614 Every day quotes