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Bored Panda got in touch with classical philologist and philosophy doctor Vilius Bartninkas for an interview on all things famous wise quotes and sayings.
"Famous wise quotes need what every product needs—an influencer, who would advertise the idea," elaborated Dr. Bartninkas on how famous wise quotes become famous. "In the past, one famous author would be quoted by another and thus the phrase begins its own life. The phrase usually starts its journey in a good book. The more successful the author, the faster the spread of the idea. It really helped if the person established a school or club of followers, because it is highly likely that the pupils will quote them. Look at Socrates, the Athenian philosopher. He didn't write a thing, but his quotes would probably make a book or two."
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Dr. Bartninkas continued: "Sometimes people would even invent a quote and misattribute it to someone famous. The reason is simple—the chances your idea survives on the shoulders of a giant are much greater. This is precisely how so many philosophical sayings came to us from the ancient Greeks and Romans. And after a few hundred years of repetition, a popular phrase may transform into its final form—folk wisdom, when everyone knows the saying, but no one can pinpoint the place of origin."
"The only difference between now and then is that today everyone can do this. Wisdom is much more democratic these days. You can skip the part of becoming a writer or a philosopher and just advertise your wisdom on social media."
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Looking at it from a linguo-technical point of view, Dr Bartninkas highlihts at least two key factors necessary for a successful quote: rhetorical appeal and and a certain level of abstractness.
"[First], it has to have a rhetorical punch, so that when you read it, [it feels like it's] 'in your face' or 'oh, that's so inspiring'. A good idea creates an emotional connection and allows us to memorise more easily."
"Second, it needs to be abstract enough to survive the limits of our own culture. You want your idea to leave some room for interpretation in order to resonate with people who will live according to different conditions and values. Otherwise, the future will not understand it and everybody will forget it."
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According to Dr. Bartninkas, quotes often revolve around more personal themes, such as individual growth, everyday challenges, deeper misconceptions, valuable choices, and true aims. Thus, the phrase gains power, enough to resonate with the heart and soul. It is as if it wants to become your motto, it wants you to live by them, and it wants you to think that they express who you are.
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So, here's a question: who has a bigger stake in coining now-famous phrases and quotes: philosophers, thinkers, and theorists, or the likes of politicians, generals, and celebrities? Dr. Bartninkas says it's not about professions, but rather the context:
"Imagine you had a busy day, after which you say to your friend: 'when all has been done, there is still something left to do, when all has been said, there was not yet said enough'. You are probably tired, your friends feel sorry for you, but the phrase looks like a preposterous overstatement."
"Now, imagine that this was said by a general before a battle with epic proportions, after he lost the entire army and crippled the power of his country. The phrase suddenly becomes prophetic, melancholic, even moving."
Fun fact, the aforementioned phrase is one of Dr. Bartninkas' favorites, and it's said by ancient Greek historian Thucydides. "I hope it inspires you to read him. And this is really what wise quotes should do, namely to direct you to the precious works of their authors," elaborates he.