Air Quote by Miguel de Cervantes
“And for the citation of so many authors, 'tis the easiest thing in nature. Find out one of these books with an alphabetical index, and without any farther ceremony, remove it verbatim into your own... there are fools enough to be thus drawn into an opinion of the work; at least, such a flourishing train of attendants will give your book a fashionable air, and recommend it for sale.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Don Quixote, Part I, 1605
The quote mocks the practice of padding a work with many citations to appear scholarly, suggesting it’s a superficial way to gain credibility.
In simple terms: Citing many sources can be a shallow way to look learned.
Key Takeaway
Avoid using citations merely for show.
Themes
scholarship
authenticity
literary criticism
Mood
critical
ironic
skeptical
Type
advice
literary commentary
satire
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- publishing
- research
- book marketing
Key Concepts
citation practices
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- Do citations enhance or distract from your ideas?
- How to you assess the quality of a source?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on citations can mask weak arguments.
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