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About this quote

What does it mean?
Makes a witty distinction between plagiarism and research based on quantity.
In plain terms
Stealing from one is bad, but stealing from many is just work.
What can you take from it?
Quantity can change how we label our actions.

Where it applies

  • explaining writing
  • defense against critics
  • comedy

Putting it to work

  • justify work
  • question ethics

Questions to consider

  • When does quantity justify theft?
  • Is research just organized copying?

Another view

It trivializes plagiarism rather than genuinely addressing it.

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