Youth Instructor on Plagiarism

Editor's Note: Was plagiarism considered "common-place" and an "acceptable practice" in Mrs. White's era? From the article below, it would appear that plagiarism was just as hated in Ellen White's day as it is today. The following editorial appeared in the December 25, 1917, edition of the Adventist periodical Youth Instructor. It gives insight on how plagiarism was really regarded by Adventists during Ellen White's era.

Thus it goes. On every hand there are similar evidences of dishonesty. It is just as wrong to appropriate to one's self credit for productions written by another as to steal a horse. One who boldly signs his name to another's article, and allows it to appear in print as his own, is a thief of the darkest hue.

Taking another's knowledge and parading it as one's own is a despicable thing to do. The student who copies at examination time is dishonest; but plagiarism is a meaner kind of thievery, if there are degrees of dishonesty.

Why do people do it? It is a crime punishable by law. It is as much of a disgrace, to say nothing of the sin, as to break into a neighbor's house and steal his goods.

All who profess common decency, much less Christianity, should eschew all form of dishonesty. Let us be true and pure in all we do, that the Lord may claim us as His own, and that we may not grieve Him again by playing a Judas part in Life.

See also

Category: Plagiarism
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