Why I think quotes are the best possible opener

I think that this is a rather silly post considering that I've only done it once, but I'll continue anyway.

I believe, personally, that a powerful - RELEVANT - quote can be the best possible hook for a paper.  Think about it: it was the words of powerful men and women, simple statements and observations, that have captured the minds of people around the world.  Think of how a few simple words can have a powerful impact on a paper.


Perhaps if you are writing about patriotism or duty, the order "England expects that every man will do his duty" is a suitable one.  The order was given before the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars, where a British Fleet defeated a much larger French and Spanish fleet and turned the tide of the war against the French.  The man who gave the order, Horatio Nelson, is considered perhaps England's greatest war hero.  The quote is a powerful one that can be used to explain the power of duty, patriotism, honor, or sacrifice to a country if expounded on correctly.

Or maybe you're writing about greed.  "If money be not thy servant, it will be thy master. The covetous man cannot so properly be said to possess wealth, as that may be said to possess him."  This quote by none other than Sir Francis Bacon can be used as a powerful example of the effect money can have on a man.

There's always (okay, almost always) a situation where a quote can be used.  Take a look at a few of these and think of what topics they can be applied to:

"The victor will never be asked if he told the truth."  Adolf Hitler
"Women speak two languages - one of which is verbal."  William Shakespeare
"The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend."  Abraham Lincoln
"History is the record of the encounter between character and circumstance."  Donald Creighton
"The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own shame."  Oscar Wilde

I find that men like Oscar Wilde, who happens to be my favorite playwright, often have the best quotes out of the lot.