Does anyone know much about borrowing little exerts from artists and philosophers. For example I found a nice couplet from Plato's Republic that would be a nice intro into a story. Obviously the guy has been dead for a while now but what are legality issues regarding such a thing. I know that other writers like to quote song lyrics at the start of a chapter. Is their a financial implication involved?
The use of quotes is not unusual. You see them regularly at the beginning of novels and at the heads of chapters. Verses and lines of poetry are also used.
If they are good enough for Thomas Hardy and George Eliot. then they are good enough for me.
They can be used to good effect. In dialogue or streams of thought. To indicate what a forthcoming chapter is about. They can define the motives of the main character, and set the tone for a passage of text, or the entire novel.
I believe they enhance a novel when used correctly. They show that the author has given considerable thought to their use.
They may even impress an agent or publisher.
You can rework them, or use them correctly as long as you credit the author.
It is a personal choice.
I hope that helps.