Begets Quote by Robertson Davies
“Too much traffic with a quotation book begets a conviction of ignorance in a sensitive reader. Not only is there a mass of quotable stuff he never quotes, but an even vaster realm of which he has never heard.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Saladin Murders, 1990
Excessive reliance on quotations can create a false sense of knowledge, while ignoring unquoted material leads to ignorance.
In simple terms: Overusing quotes hides true understanding.
Key Takeaway
Seek original insight, not just quotes.
Themes
knowledge
literature
critical thinking
Mood
analytical
cautionary
Type
statement
observation
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- research
- reading comprehension
Key Concepts
epistemology
information overload
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance quoting and original thought?
- When does quoting become a crutch?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overgeneralize the value of quotations.
![“The messiness [in my books] is nothing like an Atwood novel. For me, the deeper subjects are secrets versus intimacy, and how both beget safety but also threaten it. And there is a lot for me about loss, too.” quote by Edan Lepucki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/580/edan-lepucki-20626_begets_the-messiness-in-my-books-is-nothing-lik_132412.jpg)
