The Next Best Thing To Being Clever Is Being Able To Quote Someone Who Is

Mary Pettibone Poole

“The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is.” Quoting the wise can sometimes compensate for our lack of immediate brilliance. This observation, often attributed to Mary Pettibone Poole, captures a universal truth about discourse and intellectual borrowing. Many of us, when facing intellectual challenges, lean on the insights of others to bolster our arguments or perspectives. But how did this witty line come to be associated with Ms. Poole, and what does it reveal about our relationship with quotations?

The Journey of a Witty Phrase The practice of quoting others as a form of intellectual currency is not new. Throughout history, many have recognized the utility of well-chosen words borrowed from the learned. In 1920, A. A. Milne commented on the convenience of quotations, suggesting they save us the trouble of thinking independently—a task he humorously described as laborious . His words highlight both the practicality and the perceived difficulty of original thought.

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Dorothy L. Sayers and the Art of Quotation A few years later, Dorothy L. Sayers, a renowned mystery novelist, added her own voice to this conversation. In her 1932 novel, a character declares the usefulness of having a quotation for every occasion as a substitute for original thinking. Through her fiction, Sayers illustrates how memorized wisdom often replaces spontaneous insight, reflecting a common practice in intellectual discussions.

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Tracing the Quote to Mary Pettibone Poole The specific phrasing of this quote, Source linking cleverness to quoting, is first documented in Mary Pettibone Poole’s 1938 compilation, “A Glass Eye at a Keyhole.” This work contains a section labeled “Excess Prophets,” where the saying appears. The attribution to Poole has been consistently supported by various collections of quotes, including “The New Beacon Book of Quotations by Women” and “Funny Ladies: The Best Humor from America’s Funniest Women.” These compilations, independently published, strengthen the case for Poole’s authorship .

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The Influence of Poole’s Work Poole’s compilation, less known today, played a crucial role in popularizing this particular observation about cleverness and quoting. The consistency in attribution across different collections underscores her contribution to this discourse. While earlier figures like Milne and Sayers explored similar themes, Poole’s precise wording remains uniquely hers. Unless new evidence surfaces, her authorship is widely accepted.

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The Role of Quotations in Intellectual Discourse Quotations serve as bridges in conversations, connecting speakers with the thoughts of influential figures. They provide authority and depth to discussions, often transforming mundane dialogues into profound exchanges. This reliance on quotations reflects a broader trend in intellectual circles, where quoting the wise is a testament to their enduring relevance. Moreover, quoting others can democratize knowledge, making complex ideas more accessible. A well-placed quotation can encapsulate complex thoughts succinctly, making them understandable to a broader audience. This practice not only enriches conversation but also celebrates the shared wisdom of humanity.

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Conclusion In conclusion, the saying, “The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is,” elegantly encapsulates the significance of quotations in intellectual discourse. While original thought remains the ideal, quoting offers a respectable alternative, allowing individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue. Mary Pettibone Poole’s contribution to this landscape of thought highlights the enduring relevance of quotations as tools for communication and understanding. As we continue to navigate conversations, the wisdom of others remains an invaluable resource, bridging the gap between original brilliance and borrowed insight.

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