It is indeed certain, that whoever attempts any common…
“It is indeed certain, that whoever attempts any common topick, will find unexpected coincidences of his thoughts with those of other writers; nor can the nicest judgment always distinguish accidental similitude from artful imitation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns that similar ideas can arise independently, making it hard to distinguish coincidence from deliberate imitation.
In simple terms: Similar thoughts can appear by chance.
Key Takeaway
Be cautious before accusing plagiarism.
Themes
creativity
originality
coincidence
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- creative brainstorming
- peer review
Key Concepts
literary criticism
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate inspiration from copying?
- When is similarity acceptable?
A Different Perspective
It may overstate randomness; some imitation is intentional.