General Quotation Databases:
* Quote Investigator: This website is dedicated to tracking down the origins of famous quotes. It's a great resource for verifying the authenticity of a quote and finding its original source.
* Bartleby.com: This site contains a huge collection of classic literature and famous speeches, making it a good place to find quotes from well-known figures.
* BrainyQuote: A popular website with a wide range of quotations, categorized by topic, author, and source.
* Goodreads: Offers a large database of quotes from books, movies, and other sources. You can search by author, topic, or keyword.
Subject-Specific Resources:
* Academic Databases: Most universities and libraries provide access to academic databases like JSTOR, Project MUSE, and Google Scholar. These databases contain scholarly articles and books, which are great sources for finding expert opinions and insightful quotes.
* Historical Resources: For quotes related to historical events or figures, explore historical societies, museums, and archives.
* Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations publish journals and newsletters that contain quotes from experts in their field.
Other Tips:
* Consider the source's credibility: Choose quotations from reliable and respected sources, such as experts, academics, or prominent individuals in their field.
* Use quotes strategically: Don't just sprinkle quotes randomly throughout your writing. Use them to support your arguments, introduce new concepts, or provide contrasting viewpoints.
* Ensure the quote is relevant: The quote should be directly related to the topic of your essay and support your overall argument.
* Don't overuse quotations: Use quotes sparingly and strategically. Too many quotations can make your writing sound disjointed and unoriginal.
* Provide context: Introduce each quote with a brief explanation of its source and relevance to your writing.
* Properly cite your sources: Always use proper citations to give credit to the original author.
Remember, the best quotations are those that are both interesting and relevant to your topic. Don't be afraid to spend some time searching for the perfect quote to enhance your writing.