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About this quote

What does it mean?
Someone is repeating old sayings without original thought.
In plain terms
You just repeat old phrases instead of thinking for yourself.
What can you take from it?
Avoid relying on borrowed words.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • conversations
  • writing

Putting it to work

  • speak from experience
  • avoid quoting blindly

Questions to consider

  • Are you using your own voice?
  • Where do your ideas come from?

Another view

Sometimes repeating phrases helps convey known ideas.

More from William Congreve

  1. Let us be very strange and well-bred: Let us be as strange as if we had been married a great while; And as well-bred as if we were not married at all.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. O, she is the antidote to desire.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. I nauseate walking; 'tis a country diversion, I loathe the country.

    Permalink to quote #28

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