Anthology Quote by Gary Saul Morson
“Not everything that can be extracted appears in anthologies of quotations, in commonplace books, or on the back of Celestial Seasonings boxes. Only certain sorts of extracts become quotations.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Limits of Quotations, 2012
Only a few extracts become widely quoted; most are omitted from collections and everyday sources.
In simple terms: Only some extracts become popular quotes.
Key Takeaway
Seek out original sources for deeper insight.
Themes
quotation selection
culture
memory
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- research
- writing
- teaching
- public speaking
Key Concepts
canon formation
selective preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria decide which extracts become quotes?
- How does this affect our understanding of ideas?
A Different Perspective
Popularity may reflect bias rather than merit.
