MCP Setup

Give your AI assistant access to 606K quotes with source transparency in 5 minutes.

What you'll be able to do:

• Search quotes by meaning, not just keywords
• See sources for every quote via QuoteSightings
• Works with Claude Desktop, ChatGPT, and Gemini CLI

5-minute setup

Your API key works for both REST API and MCP. Use the same key you created in the dashboard.

Claude Desktop Setup

Add this configuration to your Claude Desktop:

Copy Config

Recommended: HTTP transport - simpler, no Node.js required

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "quotewise": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.quotewise.io/",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your actual API key from the dashboard.

Alternative: npx bridge (requires Node.js)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "quotewise": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@anthropic-ai/mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp.quotewise.io"
      ],
      "env": {
        "MCP_AUTHORIZATION": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Where is the config file?

macOS:

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Windows:

%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Note: After editing the config file, restart Claude Desktop for changes to take effect.

Learn more: Connect to Remote MCP Servers (official docs)

ChatGPT GPT Actions Setup

Add semantic quote search with source transparency to any custom GPT. Your GPT will find quotes by meaning and show sources for every result—no hallucinations, no misattribution.

Step 1: Create Your GPT

1. Go to ChatGPT → Explore GPTs → Create
2. Click the Configure tab
3. Under Actions, click Create new action

Step 2: Choose Authentication

Choose the right auth: Public GPT? Use OAuth—each user authenticates with their own account. Private GPT (just you)? Use API Key—simpler setup. Don't use API Key auth on public GPTs unless you want strangers burning your quota.

OAuth (Recommended for Public GPTs)

Each user authenticates with their own Quotewise account.

Client ID

(Register at /register)
Or use Dynamic Client Registration

Client Secret

Leave empty (public client)

Authorization URL

https://quotewise.io/oauth/authorize

Token URL

https://quotewise.io/oauth/token

Scope

quotes:read

Token Exchange Method

Default (POST request)

API Key (Private GPTs only)

Only use for private GPTs where you control access.

Auth Type

API Key

API Key

Your Quotewise API key

Auth Header

Authorization

Custom Header Name

Bearer

Step 3: Import OpenAPI Schema

Click Import from URL and enter:

Step 4: Privacy Policy

Enter our privacy policy URL:

Step 5: GPT Instructions (Critical)

Copy these instructions into your GPT's system prompt. They prevent hallucination and ensure source transparency:

Copy this entire block Copy

You help users find quotes from 500K+ quotes with source transparency via Quotewise.

CRITICAL RULE

NEVER invent quotes. ALWAYS use Quotewise API. If search returns no results, say "I couldn't find a quote matching that." Don't fabricate or guess—one fake quote destroys credibility.

Semantic Search (Primary Tool)

Use quotes_list with q parameter. This searches by MEANING, not keywords.

User describes what they want → you search that description → semantic vectors find conceptual matches.

Examples:

• "courage during uncertainty" finds Mandela, Roosevelt, etc.
• "persistence pays off" finds Edison, Jordan, etc.
• "question authority" finds Thoreau, Douglass, etc.

Finding Specific Authors

1. originator_search → find author by name
2. originator_quotes → get their quotes

Random Discovery

quote_random when users want inspiration without a specific topic.

Similar Quotes

quote_similar (by quote ID) or quote_similar_by_text when users want more like a quote they like.

Presenting Results

• ALWAYS show author name
• ALWAYS mention source/work if available (QuoteSightings provides this)
• Offer to find similar quotes or more from same author

Why This Matters

People search quotes for different reasons—presentations, inspiration, research, personal use. Quotewise provides source transparency via QuoteSightings. Show users the evidence so they can decide for themselves.

See OpenAI's authentication docs for more details on OAuth setup.

Gemini CLI Setup

Add Quotewise to the Gemini CLI using either method:

Method 1: Command Line (Recommended)

Run this command in your terminal:

gemini mcp add quotewise https://mcp.quotewise.io/ \
  --transport http \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"

Method 2: Manual Configuration

Edit the settings.json file directly:

Copy Config

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "quotewise": {
      "url": "https://mcp.quotewise.io/",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

macOS / Linux:

~/.gemini/settings.json

Windows:

%HOMEPATH%\.gemini\settings.json

Verify the Connection

1. Restart the Gemini CLI if already running
2. Enter chat mode by typing gemini
3. Type /mcp to see connected servers
4. You should see quotewise listed with status Connected

Try asking: "Get a quote regarding persistence"

Related Pages

Getting Started

Quick setup guide for new developers

Start Here

MCP Tools Reference

Browse all available MCP tools

View Tools

Credits & Usage

Understand credit costs and limits

View Credits

API Documentation

REST API reference

View API Docs

Manage API Keys

View and manage your API keys

Go to Dashboard