Quoting Books and Authors

[Squall140]

The other day I was discussing in a forum and quoted some authors and someone called me stupid. I see how not having your own opinion can be a sign of idiocy but I was using quotes to explain and expound upon my own opinions.
Discuss
-Do quotes mean you're too stupid to support your point
-Does quoting mean you are well read and intelligent
-How great puppies are  

[Solarn]

Puppies are so cute and adorable and I would just love to have one, and they are great because they can stare at you with those huge eyes and how can you not love them and...

But seriously, I think it all depends. We all know about the Christian extremists who quote passages from the Bible (sometimes out of context) to support their hatemongering, and the immature people who find a psychological or philosophical writing and only use that to answer debates. Those people don't have their own opinions, they take it from (a misinterpretation of) those books. However, more intelligent people can use well-placed quotes to accentuate their opinion or just for fun non-sequiturs. In that case, I do believe the quoting means that you are well-read and an intellectual person.  

[Cornelius loh Quatious]

It depends on who you're quoting and what you're quoting them for.

If the quote has nothing to do with the discussion, or if you're misquoting someone, yes, that can be pretty stupid. Also it probably isn't in your best interest to quote people who don't matter, ie have little to no experience in regards to the topic.

If you're using quotes by people who know what they're talking about, and it helps you prove your point, then there should be nothing wrong with the situation.  

[Celestialize_Lenne]

Using quotes does not make a person stupid. It's the same with cliches. It's a way to help other people understand what you're saying in laymen's terms.
Puppies are great. I have a black lab/husky mix and he's the absolute cutest thing in the world!!! heart  

[Princess Xenodice]

I think I love you...

[I think it all depends on the situation and the origin of the quote i.e. Books/Articles/Movies/etc. you get the picture.

I like to quote poetry once in a while.I use them when my friends are feeling down.It's sort of a little way to boost their optimism or cheer them up a little.

It only shows a lack of thought/imagination if you overuse it or restate it so many different times.Then they become their own cliches.]

Far too much

 

[scarlet drago]

i think there's a time and place for quotes. certainly, in normal conversation, a witty or profound quote that really accents your point can be perfect. and it's just fun to talk in quotes sometimes. ^^ but personally, i think they shouldn't ever be used in formal papers or speeches.

and i have a puppy-she tries to bite my hand/arm/foot/leg off all the time...and then occasionally she'll stare at me with big solemn eyes. ;P  

[paradoxical]

I think quotes can defenitely add to an argument, if used correctly. They help support ideas and show that your argument isn't just your opinion. However, they can be used too excessively and when you use more quotes than your own argument, it tends to backfire.

I adore puppies, especially fluffy ones. My dogs haven't been puppies in a very long time..  

[Avalona_Avia]

I believe that quoting (not too much though) shows that you are well-read in the classics. If you quote from something that shows cultural literacy, it should be a sign that you know what you should.  

[spexial]

A) Quoting books is sometimes annoying, but if you're going to use them well, I don't understand how they could make you look stupid. You're experessing your opinion, only through someone else's words.
2) Quoting doesn't mean you're well-read, just that you can quote from any one book you have read. It does prove, however, that you CAN actually read. blaugh
III) Puppies are great. Super great. I love to eat mine with ketchup. domokun  

[rathalos2006]

Quotes are good when used properly, but alot of people quote out of context, and too many people expect them to carry their arguments.  

[Izzabot]

I love it when someone makes a witty reference to a quote or a bit of pop culture. They tend to be very funny as well as intelligent.  

[Miss Gish]

dboyzero

It depends on who you're quoting and what you're quoting them for.

If the quote has nothing to do with the discussion, or if you're misquoting someone, yes, that can be pretty stupid. Also it probably isn't in your best interest to quote people who don't matter, ie have little to no experience in regards to the topic.

If you're using quotes by people who know what they're talking about, and it helps you prove your point, then there should be nothing wrong with the situation.

Completely agree! I say, more power to ya if you can quote...I sure as hell can't!

I'm horrible at remembering quotes. lol whee  

[Javinus]

I think of quoting as a tool, as most have already stated, to help prove one's point.

Quotes can be very powerful if used correctly, and it's an art to obtain "correctly." I remember in highschool my english teacher made a point to us when we were composing our research papers: we need to do the research and use the quotes we find to support our thesis, but our paper cannot be make entirely of quotes, for we will no longer be proving our own point, but instead merely restating what someone else said.

Why can't we just omit the quoting process? Because it would be very difficult to make a point and have anyone believe or respect it. It would be like trying to build a house out of thin air - we need materials other people have produced to help make things tangible, The human race has been around for a long time now, so there is rarely anything new under the sun. Thus, we must always reach back to the ideas of those who came before us to craft what is in front of us now.  

[Spooky Ames]

Well, it kinda depends on the quote, and how it fits the discussion too.  

[Malekhi]

Quotes.. in my opinion, demonstrate how broad your learning is. if you can find a quote just floating around in your head that backs up your point than power to ya brotha!!

ignore them.. they are just jellous. stupidity doesnt even come into it! (well, not ion your behalf anyways xp )