"If we steal thoughts from the moderns, it will be cried down as plagiarism; if from the ancients, it will be cried up as erudition"

This quote by Charles Caleb Colton speaks to the double requirement that exists when it pertains to obtaining ideas from different sources. If somebody takes an idea from a contemporary source, it is seen as plagiarism and is discredited. Nevertheless, if somebody takes a concept from an ancient source, it is viewed as erudite and is applauded. This quote is a suggestion that concepts should be respected despite their source. It is essential to recognize the original source of an idea and provide credit where it is due. It is likewise essential to remember that concepts from any source can be important and must be respected. Colton's quote is a suggestion that we ought to not judge ideas based on their source, however rather on their merit.