The end of reading is not more books but more life.

Books are never out of humour; never envious or jealous, they answer all questions with readiness; ... they teach us how to live and how to die; they dispel melancholy by their mirth, and amuse by their wit; they prepare the soul to suffer everything and desire nothing; they introduce us to ourselves.

There are only two classes in society: those who get more than they earn, and those who earn more than they get.

A good book is always on tap; it may be decanted and drunk a hundred times, and it is still there for further imbibement.

Book-love, I say again, lasts throughout life, it never flags or fails, but, like Beauty itself, is a joy forever.

Genius is initiative on fire.

The poor are the only consistent altruists; they sell all they have and give it to the rich.