But the whole vital process of the earth takes place so gradually and in periods of time which are so immense compared with the length of our life, that these changes are not observed, and before their course can be recorded from beginning to end whole nations perish and are destroyed.

Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means, and so make for themselves different modes of life and forms of government.

The true nature of a thing is the highest it can become.

We become just by performing just action, temperate by performing temperate actions, brave by performing brave action.

Those who have been eminent in philosophy, politics, poetry, and the arts have all had tendencies toward melancholia.

He overcomes a stout enemy who overcomes his own anger.

Tragedy is an imitation not only of a complete action, but of events inspiring fear and pity. Such an effect is best produced when the events come on us by surprise; and the effect is heightened when, at the same time, they follow as cause and effect. The tragic wonder will then be great than if they happened of themselves or by accident; for even coincidences are most striking when they have an air of design.