By conversing with the mighty ...

By conversing with the mighty dead, we imbibe sentiment with knowledge. We become strongly attached to those who can no longer either hurt or serve us, except through the influence which they exert over the mind. We feel the presence of that power which gives immortality to human thoughts and actions, and catch the flame of enthusiasm from all nations and ages.
By conversing with the mighty dead, we imbibe sentiment with knowledge. We become strongly attached to those who can no longer either hurt or serve us, except through the influence which they exert over the mind. We feel the presence of that power which gives immortality to human thoughts and actions, and catch the flame of enthusiasm from all nations and ages.

Quotes from the same author

Just as much as we see in others, we have in ourselves.
A proud man is satisfied with his own good opinion, and does not seek to make converts to it.
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
Men are in numberless instances qualified for certain things, for no other reason than because they are qualified for nothing else.
As is our confidence, so is our capacity.