using external quotes in context

[BigAl]

say, if quote is referring to something else but essentially same context, can I still use it? ie. this is the quote "If I have seen it further, it's by standing on the shoulders of giants" Isaac Newton in this one Newton acknowledges the giants of mathematics whose works inspired him. Similarly, can I use this quote when referring to something like 'my family has a vital role in the person I am today' ??

[morantz]

I'd say you could do that, since it would be a general statement which relates to your anecdote.

[Yendall]

You most certainly can