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.

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he
reads as a task will do read more

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he
reads as a task will do him little good.

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.

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.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

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.

But truths on which depends our main concern,
That 'tis our shame and misery not to learn,
read more

But truths on which depends our main concern,
That 'tis our shame and misery not to learn,
Shine by the side of every path we tread
With such a lustre he that runs may read.

Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.

Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.