In these pages the novelist should be able to find a striking verse to head his chapter, the raconteur add to his bon mots, the man of the world enrich his stock of maxims, the divine obtain some deep thought drawn from the wells of ancient learning. – William Francis Henry King, “Introduction,” Classical and Foreign Quotations, 18

Mr. [Thomas] Gray the poet has often observed to me that if a man were to form a Book of what he had seen and heard himself it must in whatever hands prove a most useful and entertaining one. – Horace Walpole, quoted in Walpoliana, 1800

In phrases as brief as a breath worldly wisdom concentrates. – Willis Goth Regier, Quotology, 2010

I have heard that nothing gives an Author so great Pleasure, as to find his Works respectfully quoted by other learned Authors. – Benjamin Franklin, “Preface,” Poor Richard Improved, wording verified by Respect