Meaning: The quote by Philip Hamerton, a 19th-century British artist and art critic, invites us to consider the impact of quoting a wise passage as opposed to reading it in its original context. This thought-provoking statement touches on the way our perception of wisdom and knowledge can be influenced by the act of quoting and the context in which the words are presented.

When a wise passage is quoted, it often serves as a condensed and distilled form of wisdom, stripped of the surrounding context and extraneous details. This can make the message more accessible and impactful, as it presents the essence of the wisdom without the need to navigate through the original work. In this way, a quoted passage can serve as a powerful tool for communicating ideas and insights, capturing the attention of the audience and prompting them to reflect on the wisdom being shared.

Furthermore, the act of quoting a wise passage can imbue the words with a sense of authority and legitimacy. By attributing the words to a known or respected source, the quoted passage gains credibility and may be more readily accepted and internalized by the audience. This phenomenon highlights the influence of context and presentation on the reception of wisdom, as the mere act of quoting can elevate the perceived value of the words and the authority of the original author.

Another aspect of the quote to consider is the role of attention and focus in our engagement with wisdom. When a wise passage is quoted, it often stands out from the surrounding content, drawing attention to its significance and prompting the reader to pause and contemplate its meaning. In contrast, when the same passage is encountered within the original work, it may be perceived as just one of many ideas presented by the author, potentially receiving less individual attention and reflection.

This observation raises questions about the ways in which we interact with knowledge and wisdom in our modern, information-saturated world. With an abundance of content available at our fingertips, the act of quoting serves as a filter that directs our attention to specific ideas and insights, guiding our focus towards the wisdom that is deemed worthy of sharing and preserving.

In conclusion, Philip Hamerton's quote provides a thought-provoking reflection on the impact of quoting wise passages and the role of context and presentation in shaping our perception of wisdom. By drawing attention to the dynamics of attention, authority, and accessibility, the quote encourages us to consider the ways in which the act of quoting can elevate and amplify the impact of wisdom, influencing our engagement with knowledge and ideas.