Read for Your Life Quotes

“To me, the smarter you are, the more you want to learn - Ernie Accorsi”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“As he grew, what he lacked in formal education, he made up for through diligent, determined reading.
The where, when, and how of reading mattered not to Abraham Lincoln, who said, "The books, and your capacity for understanding them, are just the same in all places ... Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other thing.”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“I read as if time were running out, because technically it is. As I grow older I find I'm increasingly impatient with mediocre entertainments; I want books that will take my breath away and realign my vision - Barbara Kingsolver”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“I wear glasses, and maybe you do, too. Mine probably cost about the same as yours. Would you trade lenses with me just because I asked you to? Of course not!
That would be silly because yours fit you and mine fit me.
Reading is the same thing. Are you reading what the boss is reading or are you reading what fits you? Are you reading a book because someone sent it to you? how about because it's on the bestseller list? You wouldn't wear someone else's glasses - don't let them pick your books. Understand what your purpose is for reading and carefully discipline your choices - Fred Smith”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“Not only was he one of history's greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln was one of history's most devoted readers. Doris Kearns Goodwin writes of Lincoln, "Books became his academy, his college. The printed word united his mind with the great minds of generations past.”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“Since my childhood I've loved reading, and every cent that came my way I used to purchase books." Franklin's love of books and readings was evident to his father, who set him to work as a printer, apprenticing to his older brother, James, when he was just twelve years old. One wealthy customer, who also noted young Franklin's passion, invited him to read any of the books in his extensive library. These volumes exposed Ben's young mind to a variety of writing styles and thoughts, all of which eventually wove themselves into the person this great statesman later became. Through books, Franklin honed his writing skills, continually challenging himself to become better at what he was already good at.”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“Rightly known as the father of our Constitution, he was the prime mover behind that magnificent document and known as well as the primary author of the Bill of Rights.
The knowledge that enabled these achievements came in large part from reading, an occupation to which Madison dedicated himself from his youngest years. Even as a boy, he knew the power of the printed word to enlarge experience. He saw how books could teach
about times and places that one could otherwise never know.
During his college years ... Madison encountered more books than he had ever seen before and well-trained minds to test himself against ... As early as 1783, Madison began an intensive course of reading to assess the alternatives [to the Articles of Confederation]. He implored his friend Thomas Jefferson, then in Paris, to send him books.
In spite of the fact that he never traveled far from where he was born, Cheney points out, Madison profoundly influenced the shaping of American thought. "And from within it," she writes, "using books as his lever, he managed to move the world.”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“Don't let reading make you arrogant. It can happen-believe me. Maybe you've even met a person or two like this, someone who thinks that being an English literature major or particularly well read puts them above the crowd. Take my advice:even if it's true, don't go there.
...
I urge you to read, knowing the words you absorb will come out in your life in ways that inspire, uplift and encourage someone else. Life is meant to be passed on. Read with a servant's heart.”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“To live fully your well-read life -at any age- it is essential to take your selection of books seriously. When you drift from book to book, you're lulled into thinking that this lack of focus is right and natural - but it's as wrong as can be. Some serendipity in your reading is delightful, but if you wanted to build a house, would you wait for the materials to assemble themselves? - Steve Leveen”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“You'll either think yourself worse than someone else, or better than someone else. Neither of these is good. Stop comparing. - Rick Warren”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books

“If you only read what you agree with, you'll never learn anything. - James D. Hodgson”
― Pat Williams, Read for Your Life: 11 Ways to Better Yourself Through Books