It is clearly better that property should be private, but the use of it common; and the special business of the legislator is to create in men this benevolent disposition.

The best way to avoid envy is to deserve the success you get.

A democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth, no property, and vulgar employments.

Also, that which is desirable in itself is more desirable than what is desirable per accidens.

What is common to many is least taken care of, for all men have greater regard for what is their own than what they possess in common with others.

A man can make up his mind quickly when he has only a little to make up.

There is more evidence to prove that saltness [of the sea] is due to the admixture of some substance, besides that which we have adduced. Make a vessel of wax and put it in the sea, fastening its mouth in such a way as to prevent any water getting in. Then the water that percolates through the wax sides of the vessel is sweet, the earthy stuff, the admixture of which makes the water salt, being separated off as it were by a filter.