I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.

We can't learn without pain.

If they do not share equally enjoyments and toils, those who labor much and get little will necessarily complain of those who labor little and receive or consume much. But indeed there is always a difficulty in men living together and having all human relations in common, but especially in their having common property.

Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it.

Experience has shown that it is difficult, if not impossible, for a populous state to be run by good laws.

Now the greatest external good we should assume to be the thing which we offer as a tribute to the gods, and which is most coveted by men of high station, and is the prize awarded for the noblest deeds; and such a thing is honor, for honor is clearly the greatest of external goods.

Yes the truth is that men's ambition and their desire to make money are among the most frequent causes of deliberate acts of injustice.