for we are inquiring not in order to know what virtue is, but in order to become good, since otherwise our inquiry would have been of no use

Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.

Happiness is the settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.

He who has conferred a benefit on anyone from motives of love or honor will feel pain, if he sees that the benefit is received without gratitude.

That which is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it. Every one thinks chiefly of his own, hardly at all of the common interest; and only when he is himself concerned as an individual. For besides other considerations, everybody is more inclined to neglect the duty which he expects another to fulfill.

Gentleness is the ability to bear reproaches and slights with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquility and stability in the spirit.

Friendship is a thing most necessary to life, since without friends no one would choose to live, though possessed of all other advantages.