In the many forms of government which have sprung up there has always been an acknowledgement of justice and proportionate equality, although mankind fail in attaining them, as indeed I have already explained. Democracy, for example, arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.

Now the soul of man is divided into two parts, one of which has a rational principle in itself, and the other, not having a rational principle in itself, is able to obey such a principle. And we call a man in any way good because he has the virtues of these two parts.

There is no genius who hasn't a touch of insanity.

It is the active exercise of our faculties in conformity with virtue that causes happiness, and the opposite activities its opposite.

When there is no middle class, and the poor greatly exceed in number, troubles arise, and the state soon comes to an end.

Happiness belongs to the self sufficient.

It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.