The most perfect ape cannot draw an ape; only man can do that; but, likewise, only man regards the ability to do this as a sign of superiority.

To read means to borrow; to create out of one s readings is paying off one's debts.

We have no words for speaking of wisdom to the stupid. He who understands the wise is wise already.

Libraries can in general be too narrow or too wide for the soul.

We say that someone occupies an official position, whereas it is the official position that occupies him.

How might letters be most efficiently copied so that the blind might read them with their fingers?

I forget most of what I read, just as I do most of what I have eaten, but I know that both contribute no less to the conservation of my mind and my body on that account.