As the pleasures of the body are the ones which we most often meet with, and as all men are capable of these, these have usurped the family title; and some men think these are the only pleasures that exist, because they are the only ones which they know.

In a word, acts of any kind produce habits or characters of the same kind. Hence we ought to make sure that our acts are of a certain kind; for the resulting character varies as they vary. It makes no small difference, therefore, whether a man be trained in his youth up in this way or that, but a great difference, or rather all the difference.

As for the story, whether the poet takes it ready made or constructs it for himself, he should first sketch its general outline, and then fill in the episodes and amplify in detail.

For through wondering human beings now and in the beginning have been led to philosophizing.

The energy or active exercise of the mind constitutes life.

To learn is a natural pleasure, not confined to philosophers, but common to all men.

Greatness of spirit is accompanied by simplicity and sincerity.