Quote
1851·Frankfurt, Germany
Bad books are intellectual poison; they destroy the mind.
When we read, another person thinks for us: we merely repeat his mental process.
A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.
Seneca·65 ADIn reading of many books is distraction. Accordingly, since you cannot read all the books which you may possess, it is enough to possess only as many books as you can read.
Ralph Waldo Emerson·1837Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? What is the one end, which all means go to effect? They are for nothing but to inspire.
Francis Bacon·1625Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.
