no subject of study is more important than reading…all other intellectual powers depend on it.

I have always been - I think any student of history almost inevitably is - a cheerful pessimist.

Finding oneself was a misnomer; a self is not found but made.

The book, like the bicycle, is a perfect form.

Education in the United States is a passion and a paradox. Millions want it, and commend it, and are busy about it. At the same time they degrade it by trying to get it free of charge and free of work.

The mind tends to run along the groove of one's intention and overlook the actual expression.

Vanity is a static thing. It puts it faith in what it has, and is easily wounded. Pride is active, and satisfied only with what it can do, hence accustomed not to feel small stings.