Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body.
In plain words
Reading keeps your mind strong and healthy, the same way exercise keeps your body strong.
Where these words come from
- 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- The Tatler, No. 147 (1710) — Wikiquote sourced section, named periodical + issue.
- The Tatler, No. 147
- 1710
More from Joseph Addison
See allIn Proportion as Conversation gets into Clubs and Knots of Friends, it descends into Particulars, and grows more free and communicative: But the most open, instructive, and unreserved Discourse, is that which passes between two Persons who are familiar and intimate Friends.
Joseph AddisonBut the Mind never unbends itself so agreeably as in the Conversation of a well chosen Friend.Joseph AddisonThe spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
Th’ unwearied Sun from day to day
Does his Creator’s power display;
And publishes to every land
The work of an Almighty hand.Joseph AddisonSoon as the evening shades prevail,
The Moon takes up the wondrous tale;
And nightly to the listening Earth
Repeats the story of her birth:
Whilst all the stars that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.Joseph AddisonWhat though in solemn silence all
Move round the dark terrestrial ball;
What though nor real voice nor sound
Amidst their radiant orbs be found?
In Reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice;
For ever singing as they shine,
‘The Hand that made us is divine.’Joseph Addison
Joseph AddisonBut the Mind never unbends itself so agreeably as in the Conversation of a well chosen Friend.Joseph AddisonThe spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
Th’ unwearied Sun from day to day
Does his Creator’s power display;
And publishes to every land
The work of an Almighty hand.Joseph AddisonSoon as the evening shades prevail,
The Moon takes up the wondrous tale;
And nightly to the listening Earth
Repeats the story of her birth:
Whilst all the stars that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.Joseph AddisonWhat though in solemn silence all
Move round the dark terrestrial ball;
What though nor real voice nor sound
Amidst their radiant orbs be found?
In Reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice;
For ever singing as they shine,
‘The Hand that made us is divine.’Joseph AddisonMore on stories
A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverbDo not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.
ErasmusBooks think for me.
Charles LambA man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good.
Samuel JohnsonOne child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.
Malala YousafzaiI had now the key to all language, and I was eager to learn to use it.
Helen Keller
ErasmusBooks think for me.Charles LambA man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good.Samuel JohnsonOne child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.Malala YousafzaiI had now the key to all language, and I was eager to learn to use it.Helen Keller