Clear Quote by Richard Lederer
“Quotations are powerful tools. Michel de Montaigne, the father of all essayists, observed, 'I quote others only to better express myself.' Intrepid quotations detective Ralph Keyes helps us to discover the clear truth about exactly what was said and who exactly said it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Quote Detective by Ralph Keyes, 2000
Quotes serve as tools to clarify and amplify personal ideas.
In simple terms: Quotations help express yourself.
Key Takeaway
Use quotes to sharpen your arguments.
Themes
communication
expression
literature
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- public speaking
- teaching
- debate
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
rhetoric
self‑presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify a quote’s source?
- When does a quote enhance rather than replace your voice?
A Different Perspective
Quotes may be misattributed, reducing credibility.
![“In the year of Christ 1571, at the age of thirty-eight, on the last day of February, anniversary of his birth, Michel de Montaigne, lon weary of the servitude of the court and of public employments, while still entire, retired to the bosom of the learned Virgins [Muses], where in calm and freedom…” quote by Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/michel-de-montaigne-1533-1592_last-day_in-the-year-of-christ-1571-at-the-age-of_2359194.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
