Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first quoter of it. Many will read the book before one thinks of quoting a passage. As soon as he has done this, that line will be quoted east and west.
Summary
This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the powerful influence of those who are quick to quote and disseminate valuable sentences. It suggests that while the originator of a great sentence is significant, it is the first person to quote it who truly spreads its impact and makes it widely known. The quote highlights the contagious nature of ideas and how they can quickly gain traction and be shared across different locations. It illustrates the tendency for people to come across a passage in a book, be inspired by it, and then spread it far and wide through quotation.