The reading of all good books is indeed like a conversation with the noblest men of past centuries who were the authors of them, nay a carefully studied conversation, in which they reveal to us none but the best of their thoughts.

And as it is the most generous souls who have most gratitude, it is those who have most pride, and who are most base and infirm, who most allow themselves to be carried away by anger and hatred.

The mind effortlessly and automatically takes in new ideas, which remain in limbo until verified or rejected by conscious, rational analysis.

So far, I have been a spectator in this theater which is the world, but I am now about to mount the stage, and I come forward masked.

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues.

The reading of all good books is indeed like a conversation with the noblest men of past centuries who were the authors of them, nay a carefully studied conversation, in which they reveal to us none but the best of their thoughts.

Few look for truth; many prowl about for a reputation of profundity by arrogantly challenging whichever arguments are the best.