Atheists and theists, why do people quote statements from drunks, drug addicts, and/or celebrities?

Question

who could careless about them? How important is the way someone lives their lives important to you?

Answer 1

try this one,

"don't look at the person who talks

but at the words he speaks"

-an arabic saying

biernes_atrece

atheist

Answer 2

When quoting Omar Kayam, the fact that he was a drunk is a lot of the point.

They say the Lion and the Lizard keep

The Courts where Jamshyd gloried and drank deep:

And Bahram, that great Hunter--the Wild ***

Stamps o'er his Head, and he lies fast asleep

Edit: Censorship by Yahoo Autoprig, not by me.

Answer 3

It isn't, but many people have come up with good quotes. It doesn't matter if they were junkies politicians or anything else.

Answer 4

I don't....

In general, I think quoting somebody else is just proof that you have nothing interesting to say.

Answer 5

Do you mean like, Christopher Hutchins, Hank Williams II and Penn and Teller? I am amazed that anyone gives credence to anything these people have to say.  

Answer 6

because no matter who you are, something someone says may still find a way to move or inspire you.

background doesn't always matter.

Answer 7

What like Rush Limbaugh, Jerry Fallwell or Ted Haggard?

Beats me,

They are too afraid to quote scientists or proffesors. That's because Christians are mostly drug addicts themselves or recovering alcoholics.  

Answer 8

Bill Hicks was pure genius.........

Answer 9

Because if I found what someone said enlightening or funny, that means I'm enlightening and funny.

Duh.

I'm Atheist!

Answer 10

Oh you mean like AC/DC - Highway to h**l.

Music soothes even the savage beast.

I prefer musicians specifically. They are usually poetic about things although I never quote anything other than the Bible around here.

Answer 11

While there is the occasional quote that is well worded and thoughtful, many are just silly pop-culture drivel.

Even the greatest quotes, when used too often or in the wrong context, can lose their appeal.

To answer your final question: It isn't.  The only lives (and the way they are lived) I place such import on are mine, my partner's, and those of our families.

Answer 12

Drunks and drug addicts can say some very profound things. I don't know about celebrities tho.

Answer 13

It is the value intrinsic in the words that usually lead to being quoted, not the sources.

If you eschew something because of its source, don't use the OED.  A major contributor to the first edition was an insane  murderer.

Answer 14

There are a variety of reasons to quote other people. You could be doing it to show something about the person that you are quoting or you could be quoting them because they said something that is true.

If a drunken drug addict actor gives a testimony about how their behavior ruined their life as a warning to others then they would be an authoritative witness to the devastation that can result from drugs and alcohol.

If they tell about how in the lowest point of their lives they finally surrendered to God and have a testimony of a restored life of sobriety characterized by doing good deeds for others they provide a current witness to the ongoing work of the Lord Jesus in the lives of people here on earth.

They demonstrate how people who seem to "have it made" don't really have it made until they are under the lordship of Christ.

Answer 15

Some are interesting. Others are interesting simply because of how ridiculous they are....

Answer 16

I agree DesDani and I don't do this..