What the statesman is most anxious to produce is a certain moral character in his fellow citizens, namely a disposition to virtue and the performance of virtuous actions.

Money was established for exchange, but interest causes it to be reproduced by itself. Therefore this way of earning money is greatly in conflict with the natural law.

It is better for a city to be governed by a good man than by good laws.

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.

A very populous city can rarely, if ever, be well governed.

If happiness is activity in accordance with excellence, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest excellence.

Although it may be difficult in theory to know what is just and equal, the practical difficulty of inducing those to forbear who can, if they like, encroach, is far greater, for the weaker are always asking for equality and justice, but the stronger care for none of these things.