Quote by Dame Ethel Smyth
The habit some writers indulge in of perpetual quotation is one it behooves lovers of good literature to protest against, for it is an insidious habit which in the end must cloud the stream of thought, or at least check spontaneity. If it be true that le style c'est l homme, what is likely to happen if l homme is for ever eking out his own personality with that of some other individual?
Summary
This quote is a critique of writers who excessively rely on quotations in their work. The author argues that this habit is dangerous because it can hinder original thought and impede the flow of one's own ideas. By constantly incorporating the words and ideas of others, a writer risks obscuring their own unique style and stifling their natural creative expression. The quote suggests that a writer should exercise caution and balance when using quotations to avoid diminishing their own personal voice and originality in their writing.
Topics
Quotations
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