A constitution is the arrangement of magistracies in a state.

When several villages are united in a single complete community, large enough to be nearly or quite self-sufficing, the state comes into existence, originating in the bare needs of life, and continuing in existence for the sake of a good life.

A vivid image compels the whole body to follow.

Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms.

Music directly represents the passions of the soul. If one listens to the wrong kind of music, he will become the wrong kind of person.

...virtue is not merely a state in conformity with the right principle, but one that implies the right principle; and the right principle in moral conduct is prudence.

Republics decline into democracies and democracies degenerate into despotisms.