"He was a genius - that is to say, a man who does superlatively and without obvious effort something that most people cannot do by the uttermost exertion of their abilities."

"Every man is wise when attacked by a mad dog; fewer when pursued by a mad woman; only the wisest survive when attacked by a mad notion."

"A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight."

"There is no nonsense so gross that society will not, at some time, make a doctrine of it and defend it with every weapon of communal stupidity."

"A happy childhood has spoiled many a promising life."

"Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them."

"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."

"In the highest civilization, the book is still the highest delight. He who has once known its satisfactions is provided with a resource against calamity."

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers."

"Never read a book through merely because you have begun it."

"There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and the tired man who wants a book to read."