Books have always a secret influence on the understanding; we
cannot at pleasure obliterate ideas: he that reads books read more

Books have always a secret influence on the understanding; we
cannot at pleasure obliterate ideas: he that reads books of
science, though without any desire fixed of improvement, will
grow more knowing; he that entertains himself with moral or
religious treatises, will imperceptibly advance in goodness; the
ideas which are often offered to the mind, will at last find a
lucky moment when it is disposed to receive them.

If time is precious, no book that will not improve by repeated
readings deserves to be read at all.

If time is precious, no book that will not improve by repeated
readings deserves to be read at all.

We have not read an author till we have seen his object, whatever
it may be, as he saw read more

We have not read an author till we have seen his object, whatever
it may be, as he saw it.

The sagacious reader who is capable of reading between these
lines what does not stand written in them, but read more

The sagacious reader who is capable of reading between these
lines what does not stand written in them, but is nevertheless
implied, will be able to form some conception.

What they're accustomed to is no great matter,
But then, alas! they've read an awful deal.
[Ger., read more

What they're accustomed to is no great matter,
But then, alas! they've read an awful deal.
[Ger., Zwar sind sie an das Beste nicht gewohnt,
Allein sie haben schrecklich viel gelesen.]

Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. As by the
one, health is preserved, strengthened, read more

Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. As by the
one, health is preserved, strengthened, and invigorated: by the
other, virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive,
cherished, and confirmed.

My early and invincible love of reading, . . . I would not
exchange for the treasures of India.

My early and invincible love of reading, . . . I would not
exchange for the treasures of India.

The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.

The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.

We read to know we are not alone.

We read to know we are not alone.