Source: Intuitions and Summaries of Thought (1862), Volume II, p. 124.
“The next thing to saying a good thing yourself, is to quote one”
This sentence has no known source in Emerson's works, but its general sense does closely match the tenor of Emerson's essay "Quotation and Originality", in particular the sentence "Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first quoter of it." (listed above).
Gow, Foundations for Human Engineering (1931) contains the following passage: "I have the backing of Emerson, for it was he, I believe, who said that the next thing to saying a good thing yourself, if to quote one". It is not clear whether Gow is purporting to quote Emerson verbatim, or merely to paraphrase his work.
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Ralph Waldo Emerson 727
American philosopher, essayist, and poet 1803–1882Related quotes
Interview for Vogue magazine, November 2008.

“The next big thing is the one that makes the last big thing usable.”
Blog entry http://blakeross.com/index.php?p=150

“You always find the right quote, or the right thing to say to make me believe you love me.”
Source: City of Fallen Angels

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money-That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!

About his fumbles
Devin Hester's kick returns can inspire cheers or cringing http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-sphester16jan16,0,1250224.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front