Meaning: This quote by Charles Colton, an English cleric and writer, provides a thought-provoking commentary on the perception of intellectual borrowing and the differentiation between the modern and ancient sources of ideas. In this quote, Colton draws attention to the double standard that exists in the assessment of the appropriation of ideas. He suggests that when individuals draw inspiration from contemporary thinkers, their actions are often condemned as plagiarism, while borrowing from ancient sources is celebrated as erudition, or profound knowledge.

The first part of the quote, "If we steal thoughts from the moderns, it will be cried down as plagiarism," highlights the negative connotation associated with borrowing ideas from the modern thinkers. In the contemporary context of intellectual property and academic integrity, plagiarism is widely regarded as unethical and unacceptable. It involves the unauthorized use or imitation of the language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions of another author and presenting them as one's original work. Colton's assertion reflects the prevailing attitude that taking ideas from modern sources without proper attribution is deemed as a form of theft and intellectual dishonesty.

Conversely, the second part of the quote, "if from the ancients, it will be cried up as erudition," underscores the contrasting perception of drawing from ancient sources. Here, Colton suggests that referencing or drawing inspiration from the ideas of ancient thinkers is often lauded as erudition, indicating profound knowledge and learning. This reflects the reverence and admiration accorded to the wisdom and insights of historical figures and classical texts. In academia and intellectual discourse, citing ancient sources is often considered a sign of erudition and scholarship, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of the foundational principles and enduring wisdom of the past.

Colton's astute observation sheds light on the paradoxical nature of the reception of borrowed ideas, highlighting the bias that exists in the evaluation of intellectual influence. The quote challenges the prevailing norms and raises questions about the underlying motivations and criteria that shape the perception of intellectual borrowing. It prompts us to critically examine the criteria and standards by which we assess the legitimacy and ethicality of drawing inspiration from different sources, and the potential biases that may influence these judgments.

Furthermore, the quote also invites reflection on the evolving nature of knowledge and the dynamics of intellectual influence. It underscores the complex interplay between tradition and innovation in the realm of ideas, as well as the shifting standards of originality and creativity across different temporal and cultural contexts. By juxtaposing the treatment of modern and ancient sources, Colton's quote encourages us to consider the broader implications of intellectual borrowing and the nuances of evaluating the legitimacy and value of borrowed ideas.

In conclusion, Charles Colton's quote offers a compelling insight into the divergent perceptions of borrowing ideas from modern and ancient sources. It prompts us to critically examine the biases and double standards that underlie the assessment of intellectual influence and challenges us to reconsider the criteria by which we evaluate the legitimacy and ethicality of drawing inspiration from different sources. Ultimately, the quote invites us to reflect on the complex dynamics of intellectual influence and the evolving nature of knowledge across time and cultural contexts.