Original thoughts vs. Quotes?

Question

This question was influenced by a wise answerer (and Ralph W. Emerson), and is in response to a seeming controversy here in R&S.

What would you prefer in an answer to one of your most heartfelt questions, whether it's religious or secular? If you have a problem or need help, do you prefer quotations from an ancient text/famous person/etc., or a thought-out response from the mind of the answerer? Do you prefer some mixture of the two? Why?

Answer 1

The answer should be good. It makes no difference who it's from. Famous people don't have a monopoly on good answers.

Answer 2

I'd like an original thought and a relevant quote, if possible.

And citations.

The quote/citations makes me think the person has thought of this stuff before, making their thoughts, by definition, more thought out....

..but they have to actually be relevant.

Answer 3

Depends on what the quote/heartfelt answer is.

Answer 4

I would like a good answer. If I knew what that answer consisted of, I wouldn't ask the question.

Answer 5

I just want the question answered!  hopefully I will like the answer!

Answer 6

some mixture of the two

Answer 7

I seldom use quotes. I may use them as reference but never as an answer in themselves. If a question merits an answer, to me, it metits one from my warped, confused and inept old mind, which is often right on the mark.