Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor; for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit.

Happiness is an expression of the soul in considered actions.

A constitution is the arrangement of magistracies in a state.

Nature herself, as has been often said, requires that we should be able, not only to work well, but to use leisure well; for, as I must repeat once again, the first principle of all action is leisure. Both are required, but leisure is better than occupation and is its end.

Those that deem politics beneath their dignity are doomed to be governed by those of lesser talents.

Great is the good fortune of a state in which the citizens have a moderate and sufficient property.

A city is composed of different kinds of men; similar people cannot bring a city into existence.