Quotes on Reading & Writing - Mark Twain

I have always admired the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain. He's one of those American authors I would have loved to have spent a sunny afternoon with, sitting on his porch listening to his prospective on a plethora of subjects. Here are some of Twain's quotes on reading and writing. 

“Classic' - a book which people praise and don't read.”
 

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” 

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” 

“In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.” 

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” 

“Books are for people who wish they were somewhere else.” 

“My books are water; those of the great geniuses is wine. Everybody drinks water.” 

Do you have a favorite quote from a beloved author? Please share.