“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.”

It is ridiculous for any man to criticize on the works of another, who has not distinguished himself by his own performances.

To this end, nothing is to be more carefully consulted than plainness. In a lady’s attire this is the single excellence; for to be what some people call fine, is the same vice, in that case, as to be florid is in writing or speaking.

A wealthy doctor who can help a poor man, and will not without a fee, has less sense of humanity than a poor ruffian, who kills a rich man to supply his necessities.

Riches expose a man to pride and luxury, and a foolish elation of heart.

They were a people so primitive they did not know how to get money, except by working for it.

Nature has laid out all her art in beautifying the face; she has touched it with vermilion, planted in it a double row of ivory, made it the seat of smiles and blushes, lighted it up and enlivened it with the brightness of the eyes.

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you.

Our disputants put me in mind of the cuttlefish that, when he is unable to extricate himself, blackens the water about him till he becomes invisible.

I Have often thought if the minds of men were laid open, we should see but little difference between that of the wise man and that of the fool.

How is it possible for those who are men of honor in their persons, thus to become notorious liars in their party

Hunting is not a proper employment for a thinking man.

Talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud.

Women were formed to temper Mankind, and sooth them into Tenderness and Compassion; not to set an Edge upon their Minds, and blowup in them those Passions which are too apt to rise of their own Accord.

The transition from cause to effect, from event to event, is often carried on by secret steps, which our foresight cannot divine, and our sagacity is unable to trace.

Jesters do often prove prophets.

It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.

I read that good things take time – but one look at him, and I knew I could never love someone more.

The rivers of blood are flowing beneath our feet… Ive been to hell, young man, youve only read about it.

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

I love reading about history. Sometimes, I feel I was born in the wrong era. There was more creativity in the air when people were still discovering new worlds.

A Clinical Study. Taking some time to read each night really taught me how to feign narcolepsy when my husband asked me what my “plan” was for taking down the Christmas tree.

I am the maker of my own fortune, and Oh! that I could make that of my Red People, and of my country, as great as the conceptions of my mind, when I think of the spirit that rules the universe.

And, as you read and re-read, the book of course participates in the creation of you, your thoughts and feelings, the size and temper of your soul.

I cross out words so you will see them more; the fact that they are obscured makes you want to read them.