The urge to be self-reflective seems to be expressed most easily by using the words of others. Growing up is about shaking off the accents of the familial home and learning new patterns of speech. It’s about developing your own voice, but it’s hard enough to figure out what you want to say; finding a new and insightful way to say it is a big burden. So it appeals, this quoting, finding tidbits of truth expressed by others more confident with language. And, at a time when life is often overwhelming, it’s reassuring to find and hold on to those sayings that provide guidance, inspiration, or maybe just a giggle.
Rachel Toor, Commonplaces: From Quote Books to ‘Sig’ Files. The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 25, 2001
