There are several short intervals during the day, between studies and pleasures: instead of sitting idle and yawning, in those intervals, take up any book, though ever so trifling a one, even down to a jest-book; it is still better than doing nothing.

You will find that reason, which always ought to direct mankind, seldom does; but that passions and weaknesses commonly usurp its seat, and rule in its stead.

Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of
the world is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various editions of them.