Believe Quote by Joseph Epstein
“I believe it was Gayelord Hauser, the nutritionist, who said, 'You are what you eat,' but if you happen to be an intellectual, you are what you quote.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The American Scholar, 1990s
Intellectuals may echo others' ideas, making them appear as their own, similar to the saying "you are what you eat."
In simple terms: Intellectuals often repeat others' words.
Seek original thought, not just quotes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- public speaking
- social media
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between influence and plagiarism?
- What steps can you take to develop your own voice?
Original ideas are hard to cultivate in a saturated information environment.