It is not by turning over libraries, but by repeatedly perusing and intently contemplating a few great models, that the mind is best disciplined.

A man of letters must now read much that he soon forgets, and much from which he learns nothing worthy to be remembered.

The best works employ, in general, but a small portion of his time.

Demosthenes is said to have transcribed six times the history of Thucydides.

If he had been a young politician of the present age, he might in the same space of time have skimmed innumerable newspapers and pamphlets.