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.

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.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I
had gained a read more

The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I
had gained a new friend. When I read a book over I have perused
before, it resembles the meeting with an old one.

In a polite age almost every person becomes a reader, and
receives more instruction from the Press than the read more

In a polite age almost every person becomes a reader, and
receives more instruction from the Press than the Pulpit.

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.

I love to lose myself in other men's minds.
When I am not walking, I am reading;
read more

I love to lose myself in other men's minds.
When I am not walking, I am reading;
I cannot sit and think. Books think for me.
- Charles Lamb (used pseudonym Elia),

That he that readeth may run over it.
[Lat., Ut percurrat qui legerit eum.]

That he that readeth may run over it.
[Lat., Ut percurrat qui legerit eum.]

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an
exact man.

Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an
exact man.