There is more evidence to prove that saltness [of the sea] is due to the admixture of some substance, besides that which we have adduced. Make a vessel of wax and put it in the sea, fastening its mouth in such a way as to prevent any water getting in. Then the water that percolates through the wax sides of the vessel is sweet, the earthy stuff, the admixture of which makes the water salt, being separated off as it were by a filter.

Nature does nothing in vain.

Philosophy is the science which considers truth.

It is the repeated performance of just and temperate actions that produces virtue.

The democrats think that as they are equal they ought to be equal in all things.

Now property is part of a household, and the acquisition of property part of household-management; for neither life itself nor the good life is possible without a certain minimum supply of the necessities.

Let us first understand the facts and then we may seek the cause.