From this week's reading

Perhaps in answer to the question, "why read and study?"

For the mind and memory are more sharply exercised in comprehending another man's things, than our own; and such as accustom themselves and are familiar with the best authors, shall ever and anon find somewhat of them in themselves, and in their expression of their minds, even when they feel it not; be able to utter something like theirs, which hath an authority above their own.

--Ben Jonson, Discoveries.