Those who merely possess the goods of fortune may be haughty and insolent; . . . they try to imitate the great-souled man without being really like him, and only copy him in what they can, reproducing his contempt for others but not his virtuous conduct. For the great-souled man is justified in despising other people - his estimates are correct; but most proud men have no good ground for their pride.

The greatest of all pleasures is the pleasure of learning.

It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.

. .we would have to say that hereditary succession is harmful. You may say the king, having sovereign power, will not in that case hand over to his children. But it is hard to believe that: it is a difficult achievement, which expects too much virtue of human nature.

In order to be effective you need not only virtue but also mental strength.

In part, art completes what nature cannot elaborate; and in part it imitates nature.

The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.