The true forms of government, therefore, are those in which the one, or the few, or the many, govern with a view to the common interest; but governments which rule with a view to the private interest, whether of the one or of the few, or of the many, are perversions. For the members of a state, if they are truly citizens, ought to participate in its advantages.

Thus then a single harmony orders the composition of the whole...by the mingling of the most contrary principles.

But what is happiness? If we consider what the function of man is, we find that happiness is a virtuous activity of the soul.

It is no easy task to be good.

The wise man knows of all things, as far as possible, although he has no knowledge of each of them in detail

Happiness does not consist in amusement. In fact, it would be strange if our end were amusement, and if we were to labor and suffer hardships all our life long merely to amuse ourselves.... The happy life is regarded as a life in conformity with virtue. It is a life which involves effort and is not spent in amusement.

One who faces and who fears the right things and from the right motive, in the right way and at the right time, posseses character worthy of our trust and admiration.