The legislator should direct his attention above all to the education of youth; for the neglect of education does harm to the constitution. The citizen should be molded to suit the form of government under which he lives. For each government has a peculiar character which originally formed and which continues to preserve it. The character of democracy creates democracy, and the character of oligarchy creates oligarchy.

He who confers a benefit on anyone loves him better than he is beloved.

Everybody loves a thing more if it has cost him trouble: for instance those who have made money love money more than those who have inherited it.

There is a cropping-time in the races of men, as in the fruits of the field; and sometimes, if the stock be good, there springs up for a time a succession of splendid men; and then comes a period of barrenness.

The student of politics therefore as well as the psychologist must study the nature of the soul.

Pleasure causes us to do base actions and pain causes us to abstain from doing noble actions.

Whatsoever that be within us that feels, thinks, desires, and animates, is something celestial, divine, and, consequently, imperishable.