---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What passes for an original opinion is…"
description: "\"What passes for an original opinion is, generally, merely an original phrase. Old lamps for new - yes; but it is always the same oil in the lamp.\" — Ka..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ec/katharine-fullerton-gerould-13_lamps_what-passes-for-an-original-opinion-is-g_1681137.jpg"
---

#  What passes for an original opinion is, generally, merely…

![“What passes for an original opinion is, generally, merely an original phrase. Old lamps for new - yes; but it is always the same oil in the lamp.” quote by Katharine Fullerton Gerould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ec/katharine-fullerton-gerould-13_lamps_what-passes-for-an-original-opinion-is-g_1681137.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ec/katharine-fullerton-gerould-13_lamps_what-passes-for-an-original-opinion-is-g_1681137.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ec/katharine-fullerton-gerould-13_lamps_what-passes-for-an-original-opinion-is-g_1681137.jpg)

> “What passes for an original opinion is, generally, merely an original phrase. Old lamps for new - yes; but it is always the same oil in the lamp.”

[Katharine Fullerton Gerould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katharine-fullerton-gerould/)

## About This Quote

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

Original opinions often just repurpose old ideas, like using the same oil in a new lamp.

**In simple terms:** New words can hide old meanings.

Key Takeaway

Seek true novelty beyond phrasing.

Themes

originality language thought

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- writing
- debate
- education

Key Concepts

semantic recycling intellectual honesty creative expression

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we tell if an idea is truly new?
- What value does rephrasing bring?

A Different Perspective

May dismiss genuine innovation that builds on past ideas.

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