It appears that citing earlier works serves many purposes for an intended piece of literature. Citing someone’s work serves not only to acknowledge an influence but also gives validation to the current work that an individual is working on. Hauptman gives the impression that citing is just right which I agree but I still feel that in today’s society it’s done mainly to avoid being accused of plagiarism. Reading the article, it was interesting to see that so many great scientists and writers cited and reflecting back on the reading it makes sense that new knowledge or ideas come from earlier ones and that citing can help strengthen a new concept or help a reader trace the train of thought making things clearer. It makes sense that if you have an understanding of a well known concept, that it proves a better foundation for a new idea that one might be trying to convey to the reader. Just cite all your influences as it will make your writing stronger and more respectable let alone legal and proper.
