And what has come to prevail in democracies is the very reverse of beneficial, in those, that is, which are regarded as the most democratically run. The reason for this lies in the failure properly to define liberty. For there are two marks by which democracy is thought to be defined: "sovereignty of the majority" and "liberty." "Just" is equated with what is equal, and the decision of the majority as to what is equal is regarded as sovereign; and liberty is seen in terms of doing what one wants.

The only stable principle of government is equality according to proportion, and for every man to enjoy his own.

Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.

Friendship is communion.

Happiness is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue

He who confers a benefit on anyone loves him better than he is beloved.

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.