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.

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.

It may be well to wait a century for a reader, as God has waited
six thousand years for read more

It may be well to wait a century for a reader, as God has waited
six thousand years for an observer.

Every man who knows how to read has it in his power to magnify himself, to multiply the ways in read more

Every man who knows how to read has it in his power to magnify himself, to multiply the ways in which he exists, to make his life full, significant and interesting

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.

The mind, relaxing into needful sport,
Should turn to writers of an abler sort,
Whose wit well read more

The mind, relaxing into needful sport,
Should turn to writers of an abler sort,
Whose wit well managed, and whose classic style,
Give truth a lustre, and make wisdom smile.

If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.

If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.