How we verify quotes

A misattributed quote spreads fast and lasts long. Here is how we work to avoid that.

Accepted sources

A quote is only published if we can trace it to an identifiable primary source:

• a book (title, edition, chapter or page when possible);
• a speech (date and place);
• a published letter or correspondence;
• a published interview (outlet, date);
• an archival document.

How we use Wikiquote

Wikiquote is a starting point, and only its sourced sections, the ones that cite the work and the edition. “Attributed” or “unsourced” sections are never used.

What we reject

• quotes without a verifiable source, however famous;
• song lyrics;
• made-up lines or pastiches.

Messages written by quotesay

Birthday, congratulations and condolence messages are original texts written by quotesay. They are shown without an author name and you are free to use them.

Proverbs

A proverb has no known author: we give its origin instead (for example “Japanese proverb”).

Report a mistake

Think a quote is misattributed or wrongly sourced? Tell us which page it is on: we will check and fix it quickly.