Quotations cause all kinds of trouble.

Flatter yourself critically.

Maria Edgeworth grumbled against vandals who ruined immortal works by quoting the life out of them. "How far our literature may in future suffer from these blighting swarms, will best be conceived by a glance at what they have already withered and blasted of the favourite productions of our most popular poets." Shakespeare, Milton, and Dryden, scissored, patched, and frayed.

Quotation lovers love rare words.

Cunning authors cut to be quoted.

Quotologists encounter happy surprises, bright books by faded authors, treasures hidden under dust.

Like pollen on a honeybee, flattery clings to the things you tell yourself.