Freedom of speech is unnecessary if the people to whom it is granted do not think for themselves.

Even a book that is made up of only untruths can greatly improve us intellectually.

The way most people use and are used by their minds gives substance to the belief that we are barely evolved apes.

All too often, a wise or free person is ridiculed, because of ignorance, by fools or slaves.

Our books can know and remember for us, but cannot think for us.

We are oversupplied with people and books that make us know more, but are undersupplied with those that make us think and live better.

If we had to earn our age by thinking for ourselves at least once a year, only a handful of people would reach adulthood.

The way most people use their minds is analogous to an ambulance that is used only as an umbrella.

Most books are useful only in initiating, or maintaining, the rewarding habit of reading.