Now that practical skills have developed enough to provide adequately for material needs, one of these sciences which are not devoted to utilitarian ends [mathematics] has been able to arise in Egypt, the priestly caste there having the leisure necessary for disinterested research.

Art takes nature as its model.

It has been handed down in mythical form from earliest times to posterity, that there are gods, and that the divine (Deity) compasses all nature. All beside this has been added, after the mythical style, for the purpose of persuading the multitude, and for the interests of the laws, and the advantage of the state.

We should venture on the study of every kind of animal without distaste; for each and all will reveal to us something natural and something beautiful.

Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.

To be angry is easy. But to be angry with the right man at the right time and in the right manner, that is not easy.

One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one fine day.