Five Inspiring Quotations to Illuminate Your Day

"Every man is a quotation from all his ancestors."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, known for his thoughts on individuality, freedom, and humanity's relationship with nature, is the author behind the thought-provoking idea. This eminent 19th-century poet, philosopher, essayist, and lecturer from the United States was a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement. His vast plethora of works revolved around individual identity, spiritual awakening, and self-reliance.

This profound thought comes from his work 'The Conduct of Life' where he explores themes of fate and power. His belief was that a person's character is the cumulative effect of their ancestors, suggesting that we are all a result of countless influences drawn from our ancestral lineage. This indeed is a reflection of Emerson's belief in human potential, stressing that every individual has vast potential unlocked within them, capable of great wisdom and innovation. His ideas have laid a considerable foundation for the study of human character and had an enormous influence on contemporary thinking.

"The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit."

W. Somerset Maugham, widely recognized as one of the finest English writers of the 20th century, is well known for his lucid and elegant prose. He used his keen observation about the human condition to write engaging novels, short stories, and plays. His words often carry subtle wisdom, lending deeper understanding to the complexities of life. In particular, the phrase - noted above - that Maugham penned is from his celebrated novel 'The Moon and Sixpence'. It suggests that the capacity of quotation may sometimes serve a purpose like that of intelligence and humor, reflecting his thought on possession of knowledge versus the art of communication. Through this, he nuanced the idea that regurgitation of others' words could be just as powerful as original thinking, if used effectively. Interestingly, it provides a commentary on the delicate balance between knowledge, expression and originality in human interactions.

"I always have a quotation for everything - it saves original thinking."

Dorothy L. Sayers was a renowned English crime writer and poet, primarily known for her thrilling and intellectual detective stories featuring Lord Peter Wimsey. The quote you reference, a display of her sharp wit and insightful take on human nature, is from her well-respected novel, Gaudy Night. Presented through the dialogue of her characters, this quote expresses the idea that many people prefer to rely on the thoughts of others, rather than engaging in their own original thinking. Essentially, it's a critique of intellectual laziness or the tendency to avoid contemplation, potentially stimulating discussion about the importance of individual thought and creativity. Sayers, through her biting social commentary, reminds us to never underestimate the power of original thought, and the value of true intellectual engagement.

"The next best thing to saying a good thing yourself is to quote one."

The author of the quote is Ralph Waldo Emerson, an eminent figure in American literature. Known for his essays and lectures, Emerson has profoundly influenced the development of American literature and philosophy with his transcendentalist ideas. There isn't any specific book attributed to this quote; Emerson shared this wisdom possibly in one of his essays or lectures, reflecting his viewpoints on communication and knowledge sharing. His opinion encapsulated in this saying points to the vitality of quoting as a form of expressing insightful thoughts, reinforcing the value of shared knowledge. Indeed, Emerson emphasizes the efficacy of quoting others as a tool to advance one's wisdom, almost equivalent to formulating original thoughts. This intimates a deep respect for interdisciplinary learning, indicating that high-quality knowledge doesn't necessarily have to be self-generated, but can also be borrowed from others' wisdom. The quote signifies the beauty of intellectual exchange and shared wisdom.

"Everything of importance has been said before by somebody who did not discover it."

Alfred North Whitehead, a prominent English mathematician and philosopher, is known for his work in the field of mathematical logic and philosophy of science. He has penned down many invaluable quotes, and one such quote is from the book 'The Aims of Education and Other Essays'. Despite not being directly mentioned, the quote enunciates a significant opinion on the domain of discovery and innovation. The central premise suggests that originality might feel non-existent as significant concepts and ideas have already been talked about by someone else. However, the true novelty lies in revealing or discovering something that was previously latent. This perspective highlights the importance of innovation and understanding, indicating that discovery isn't about creating new things, but about seeing what is already there in a new light. Whitehead, beautifully, through this quote, demystifies the essence of discovery, advocating a new dimension to the concept of realization and progress.