No one chooses what does not rest with himself, but only what he thinks can be attained by his own act.

That which is impossible and probable is better than that which is possible and improbable.

Self-sufficiency is both a good and an absolute good.

Every man should be responsible to others, nor should anyone be allowed to do just as he pleases; for where absolute freedom is allowed there is nothing to restrain the evil which is inherent in every man. But the principle of responsibility secures that which is the greatest good in states; the right persons rule and are prevented from doing wrong, and the people have their due. It is evident that this is the best kind of democracy, and why? because the people are drawn from a certain class.

He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.

Xenophanes states that the fire in Lipara once failed for sixteen years, but returned in the seventeenth year. They say that the lava-stream in Etna is neither flaming nor continuous, but returns only after an interval of many years.

All men by nature desire knowledge.