“Quotation, n: The act of repeating erroneously the words of another. Source The words erroneously repeated.”
Understanding a Satirical Definition
This witty observation captures a fundamental truth about human communication. We often misquote others, even when we believe we’re being accurate. The definition itself demonstrates the irony it describes. Furthermore, it reflects a deeper commentary on how language travels through society.
The phrase belongs to Ambrose Bierce, an American writer known for his sharp wit. Ambrose Bierce – The Devil’s Dictionary His work specialized in exposing human folly through clever wordplay. Moreover, this particular definition exemplifies his signature style of sardonic humor.
The Origins in Bierce’s Literary Work
Bierce first compiled his satirical definitions in 1906. He published “The Cynic’s Word Book” through Doubleday, Page, & Company. However, this initial volume only covered entries through the letter “L.” Consequently, the quotation definition didn’t appear in this first edition.
The complete work emerged five years later. Source In 1911, Bierce released “The Devil’s Dictionary” to wider acclaim. This expanded edition incorporated all previous material. Additionally, it featured hundreds of new entries that showcased his cynical worldview.
The Devil’s Dictionary Legacy
The 1911 publication established Bierce’s reputation as a master satirist. His dictionary redefined common words with biting humor. Each entry revealed uncomfortable truths about society and human nature. Indeed, the quotation definition stands among his most memorable contributions.
Newspapers quickly recognized the entertainment value of these definitions. They reprinted Bierce’s entries as filler material throughout the early 20th century. Therefore, his satirical observations reached audiences far beyond the original book’s readers.
How the Definition Spread Through Popular Culture
Baltimore’s “Evening Sun” featured the quotation entry in 1934. The newspaper explicitly credited “The Devil’s Dictionary” as its source. Several other publications followed suit during this period. Thus, Bierce’s witty observation gained broader cultural recognition.
The definition resonated with readers across generations. People understood the irony immediately because they’d experienced misquotation themselves. Moreover, the self-referential nature of the statement added another layer of humor. It suggested that even this definition might be misquoted eventually.
Editorial Commentary and Recognition
“The Sunday Sun” revisited the definition in 1946. Editors described Bierce as “acidulous and obviously experienced” when presenting this observation. This characterization highlighted his reputation for sharp criticism. Furthermore, it acknowledged that his insights came from observing real human behavior.
The editorial commentary revealed how Bierce’s work aged remarkably well. His observations about quotation remained relevant decades after publication. In fact, the problem of misquotation had only grown more prevalent with time.
Textual Variations and Modern Adaptations
Laurence J. Peter modified the definition in his 1977 compilation. “Peter’s Quotations: Ideas for Our Time” changed “Quotation” to “Quoting” in the entry. This subtle alteration shifted the grammatical focus slightly. Nevertheless, the essential meaning remained intact.
Peter paired Bierce’s definition with a related observation by Robert Benchley. Benchley suggested that quoting someone represents the surest way to make them appear foolish. Together, these statements created an interesting dialogue about citation practices. Additionally, they highlighted the inherent risks in repeating others’ words.
The 1990 Dictionary Entry
“A Dictionary of Literary Quotations” perpetuated the “Quoting” variation in 1990. The editors maintained this altered wording throughout their publication. However, they correctly attributed the sentiment to Ambrose Bierce. They also cited the 1911 “Devil’s Dictionary” as the original source.
This version demonstrates how quotations evolve through repeated use. The irony becomes even richer when we consider the definition’s own journey. Indeed, the very statement about misquotation has itself been misquoted over time.
Why We Consistently Misquote Others
Human memory operates imperfectly when storing verbal information. We remember the general meaning more accurately than exact wording. Consequently, we reconstruct phrases based on our understanding rather than precise recall. This cognitive limitation affects everyone, regardless of education or intelligence.
Context also influences how we remember and repeat statements. We unconsciously adjust quotations to fit current conversations. Moreover, we sometimes blend multiple sources into a single attributed statement. These mental shortcuts serve practical purposes but sacrifice accuracy.
The Role of Confirmation Bias
We tend to remember quotations that align with our existing beliefs. This selective memory reinforces our worldviews while distorting original meanings. Furthermore, we may unconsciously modify quotations to strengthen our arguments. The original speaker’s intent becomes secondary to our current needs.
Social media has amplified this phenomenon dramatically. Memes and viral posts frequently attribute statements to famous figures incorrectly. Nevertheless, these misattributions spread rapidly because they sound plausible. The emotional impact matters more than factual accuracy in many cases.
The Paradox of Citation in the Digital Age
We now have unprecedented access to original sources. Digital archives preserve texts exactly as published. Search engines can locate specific phrases within seconds. Therefore, we should theoretically misquote less frequently than previous generations.
Yet misquotation persists and perhaps even flourishes online. The ease of sharing encourages rapid dissemination without verification. Additionally, algorithmic amplification rewards emotionally resonant content over accurate content. Consequently, appealing misquotations often outperform correct citations.
The Responsibility of Modern Quoters
Writers and speakers bear ethical obligations when citing others. We should verify quotations before sharing them publicly. Moreover, we must acknowledge when we’re paraphrasing rather than quoting directly. This honesty maintains intellectual integrity and respects original authors.
Bierce’s definition reminds us to approach all quotations with healthy skepticism. Even seemingly authoritative sources can perpetuate errors. Furthermore, our own certainty about remembered quotations often exceeds our actual accuracy. Humility serves us well when repeating others’ words.
Practical Strategies for Accurate Citation
Always consult primary sources when possible. Secondary sources may contain accumulated errors from previous citations. Additionally, compare multiple versions to identify discrepancies. This extra effort significantly improves citation accuracy.
Document your sources immediately upon encountering quotations. Memory degrades quickly, even for recently read material. Furthermore, note the publication date and edition information. These details help others verify your citations independently.
Digital Tools and Resources
Quotation databases provide valuable starting points for verification. However, cross-reference these resources against original publications. Indeed, even reputable databases occasionally contain errors. Your diligence protects both your credibility and the original author’s legacy.
Screenshot or photograph relevant pages when researching quotations. These images serve as personal reference materials for future writing. Moreover, they document the exact context surrounding quoted passages. Context often proves crucial for understanding intended meaning.
The Enduring Wisdom of Bierce’s Observation
This satirical definition has survived over a century because it captures timeless truth. We continue misquoting others despite our best intentions. The human tendency toward error persists across all technological and cultural changes. Therefore, Bierce’s wit remains as relevant today as in 1911.
The definition also serves as a gentle reminder about intellectual humility. We should acknowledge our limitations when citing others. Furthermore, we must accept corrections gracefully when we inevitably get quotations wrong. This openness to correction strengthens rather than weakens our credibility.
Conclusion: Embracing the Irony
Ambrose Bierce’s definition of quotation brilliantly exposes a universal human failing. We repeat others’ words erroneously despite our confidence in accuracy. This ironic observation has itself been misquoted and modified over decades. Nevertheless, its essential truth endures through all variations.
The definition challenges us to approach all quotations with appropriate skepticism. We should verify before sharing and acknowledge uncertainty when it exists. Moreover, we must recognize that perfect quotation may be impossible. Our imperfect memories and cognitive biases ensure continued misquotation.
Yet this reality shouldn’t discourage us from citing others thoughtfully. Instead, it should inspire greater care and humility in our citation practices. By acknowledging our tendency toward error, we can work harder to minimize it. Bierce’s witty observation thus serves both as warning and inspiration for anyone who quotes another’s words.