In my later years, with ample leisure, I hoped to wash away the slander that has persisted through the ages, but my strength failed me, preventing me from completing the full volume. Moreover, growing old with a deep love for books, my eyesight has waned. I planned to travel the four corners of the world, seeking guidance from virtuous scholars and hearing daily things I had never known before, hoping for some joy, but my physical strength has declined. It is now difficult to leave home, and seeking guidance is not easy. Alas! My ears and eyes no longer function well, my knowledge is limited, and although I wish to discuss the ancients to understand their era, is that possible? I shall simply record and distinguish what I have known in my lifetime, for virtuous scholars. Although my teachers and friends are distant and their order cannot be detailed, and only one-tenth remains, we must still know that the Way has never been broken, and that every person possesses the discerning eye. — Li Zhi
One who has read ten thousand books may not necessarily write good poetry. However, one point is absolutely certain: if a person has read a thousand literary masterpieces from ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign sources, their ability to appreciate and judge literature will undoubtedly be greatly improved. — A Qi Fang
When reading, one must not have preconceived opinions; after reading, one must not lose one's own opinions... Food and drink nourish the body, while reading nourishes the soul. If food and drink are strictly limited to one type, one must fall ill; if reading is strictly limited to one school of thought, one must go mad. — Xuan Yongguang
Book knowledge is often dogmatic, while practical knowledge is often innovative.
Determined to recognize all the characters in the world, resolved to read all the books in the world. — Su Dongpo
Without walking ten thousand miles or reading ten thousand books, how could one aspire to become a master painter? — Dong Qichang
Learning flexibly is the innovation of reading, and applying flexibly is the innovation of practice.
The library allowed me to study with constancy and increase my knowledge. I spent one or two hours there every day. In this way, I significantly made up for the higher education I had missed. — Franklin
Those who do not read have their thoughts stopped. Reading is building one's own thought with the help of others' thoughts.
Hear much, choose the good among them and follow it; see much and remember it.
Genius comes from diligence.
Diligent study is beneficial not only to my soul but also to my body. For the act of reading with such concentration is in itself a joy to me; I no longer think about my illnesses, and the pain is therefore alleviated. — Rousseau
On the journey of life, one must distinguish between what is correct and what is merely plausible.
