Meaning: This quote by Walter Benjamin, a German literary critic and philosopher, reflects the complex nature of using quotations in creative or scholarly work. Benjamin was known for his insights into the role of language, literature, and art in shaping human thought and culture. In this quote, he metaphorically compares quotations to "wayside robbers" who "leap out armed" and "relieve the stroller of his conviction." This analogy captures the idea that quotations have the power to challenge or even usurp the original convictions or ideas of the author or speaker who uses them.

Quotations are often employed to add authority, depth, or emphasis to an argument or piece of writing. They can serve as evidence, support, or counterpoint to the author's own ideas, and they are commonly used in academic, journalistic, and creative contexts. However, as Benjamin's quote suggests, the act of incorporating someone else's words into one's own work is not merely a neutral or passive endeavor. Instead, it can be a dynamic and potentially transformative process, with the quoted words assuming a life of their own within the new context.

When Benjamin describes quotations as "wayside robbers," he implies that they have a kind of disruptive power. Rather than simply reinforcing the original message, a well-chosen quotation can challenge or subvert the assumptions and convictions of the writer or speaker who deploys it. This may occur when the quoted words carry a different tone, perspective, or implication from the surrounding text. In this way, quotations can introduce a level of uncertainty or complexity into the work, forcing the audience to reconsider their initial convictions or assumptions.

Additionally, the analogy of the "stroller" being relieved of his conviction by the armed robbers speaks to the vulnerability of the author or speaker when using quotations. Just as a traveler on a path may encounter unexpected challenges, the writer or speaker may find their own ideas unexpectedly challenged or altered by the inclusion of a powerful quotation. This dynamic interaction between the original text and the quoted material can lead to a richer, more nuanced exploration of the topic at hand.

Moreover, the quote suggests that the act of incorporating quotations into one's work is not a passive or neutral endeavor. Instead, it can be a dynamic and potentially transformative process, with the quoted words assuming a life of their own within the new context. Quotations have the potential to disrupt or reshape the flow of an argument, adding layers of meaning and inviting readers to engage with the text in a more active and critical manner.

In conclusion, Walter Benjamin's quote sheds light on the complex and dynamic nature of using quotations in writing and discourse. Quotations have the power to challenge, enrich, and transform the ideas and convictions of the author or speaker who deploys them. They can act as "wayside robbers," leaping out armed and relieving the stroller of his conviction, forcing a reevaluation of assumptions and opening up new avenues of thought. As such, the act of incorporating quotations into one's work is not merely a matter of borrowing or referencing; it is a creative and potentially disruptive act that can profoundly shape the meaning and impact of the text.