Modern Quotes, Old Ideas

What’s your favorite quote? Is it the quote, or the idea, that grabs you? Ideas hold power, quotes just package them. Whether wrapped in newsprint and string, or silk and a bow, ideas are valuable. BUT beware of false quotes and plagiarism, on the rise.

Take this quote: “During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” We know the quote and like it.

We like it because it reminds us that we are never alone, always cared for, accompanied in our hardest times, and attended to with love, hope, mercy, forgiveness, and strength – by a loving God. That is true.

The quote’s origins? More unclear. The collection of words, organized just so, reminds us, in a way that leads us to reflection, that faith is worth having, especially when we confront hopelessness, worry, anxiety, or struggle. It also reminds us that we often do not see truth, or adversity as a blessing, until later.

Of secondary importance is who crafted the poem. The sentiment is, of course, biblical. “Not a sparrow falls without His knowing,” as Matthew wrote. And how much more does God love us? So in toughest times, keep the faith.

Still, who produced that visual, two pairs of prints rather than one, gradually resolved by understanding we are being carried not abandoned? Where did it come from?

Humans being humans, a bunch of presumed authors – beyond “Unknown” – have claimed credit for the poem, unfortunately. But do we care? What matters is the idea.

Take other quotes, often attributed without understanding. George Washington, for example, copied a list, his “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior.” He made clear they were not his ideas. Still, people insist on attributing them to him.

Attributed to Washington are, “It is better to be alone than in bad company” and “Think before you speak.” Not his, but the copied ideas – are good ones. 

These days misattribution and plagiarism are an epidemic, a modern plague. So, be careful not to swoon when you hear “climate change” came from Daniel Boone, or “Open border, again” came from Davy Crocket’s pen. Not so.  

Still, ideas are important. “Everybody you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so be kind always,” is attributed to Robin Williams, falsely.

Still, his sad life’s end and memorable (acted) soliloquy in “Dead Poet’s Society,” plus his tendency to see humor in misfortune, are worth empathy, fit the quote, which is not a quote.

Abe Lincoln said many brilliant, illuminating, entertaining things, yet is credited with things he never said, like “Nearly all men stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character give him power.” Good idea? Yes. Lincoln? No.

So, we hear lots of ideas shined up these days, another “sow’s ear” turned “silk purse” (maybe Jonathan Swift) by a clever journalist – yet a false attribution.

Be cautious about who you credit with quotes. Then again, the idea may be a lovely one, timely, even one we could learn from in an age inclined not to wonder or think.

When everyone from Harvard’s (former) president to our Plagiarist-In-Chief, Mr. Biden, puts us on guard for plastic talk, untruth, non-truth, reimagined truth, things unoriginal and uncouth, do be discerning. 

Modern “quotes” are worth a bit of cynical circumspection, but good ideas remain in circulation, even if from questionable sources. Ideas are always worth noodling.

Closing quote, authentic Mark Twain: “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. 

Bottom line: Be discerning. Question sources, quotes. But keep reading, looking for new combinations of colored glass, and ideas to prompt thought. Ideas, especially old ones, are worth reflection, even if – sometimes very creatively – repackaged.

Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, attorney, and naval intelligence officer (USNR). He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (2018), and is National Spokesman for AMAC.