Separate sourced wording from uncertain attribution.
How quotation records distinguish identified sources, uncertain attributions and disputed wording.
Source identified
The record is connected with a named work, speech, letter, poem, traditional text or other identifiable source. This does not mean every edition uses identical punctuation or translation.
Attribution review
The wording is commonly associated with the named person or source, but stronger source support is still needed.
Disputed
Available evidence conflicts with the popular attribution or suggests the wording circulated independently.
Source preference
Primary texts, libraries, archives, scholarly editions and stable public-domain editions are preferred when available.
Translations and editions
Ancient, religious and translated works can differ materially by edition. The represented English wording should be read with its translation or edition context.