Quoting an Expert

A few weeks ago in one of my classes, a group discussion was being had on a case study. One student responded to the presenting group's question. He gave his opinion on a point and then used a really bland, generic, common-good type quote (I can't even remember it now). He said he couldn't recall in which book he read the line.

First, if you are going to quote something to bouy or cement your point, don't use a feel-good phrase that has lost its meaning by the likes of local news anchors all too frequent repetition. "Think outside the box," "Have an attitude of gratitude" and "An apple a day..." are just a few examples of expressions that are not my cup of tea. These words are not profound enough to emphasize the argument one might make.

Second, if you are going to quote something, please know from where or whom you are quoting. The simple correction is to take up the long-lost art of memorization that we haven't practiced for two generations ('nother topic). An easier solution might be to just choose some source that is not well-read but is well known-- like The Bible, Benjamin Franklin or Confucius. There are plenty of proverbs to be quoted from those sources which are enough to inspire. Most often people won't try to check your reference unless, like Tevya, you are attempting to quote words from 'the good book' to the local rabbis. My go-tos are Tim Heidecker (here she comes) and Garth Marenghi. They are all credible and intelligent. Borrow from my list sources.