But what is happiness? If we consider what the function of man is, we find that happiness is a virtuous activity of the soul.

There are, then, these three means of effecting persuasion. The man who is to be in command of them must, it is clear, be able (1) to reason logically, (2) to understand human character and goodness in their various forms, and (3) to understand the emotions--that is, to name them and describe them, to know their causes and the way in which they are excited.

A good character carries with it the highest power of causing a thing to be believed.

And this lies in the nature of things: What people are potentially is revealed in actuality by what they produce.

Wit is educated insolence.

To the size of the state there is a limit, as there is to plants, animals and implements, for none of these retain their facility when they are too large.

Happiness is a thing honored and perfect. This seems to be borne out by the fact that it is a first principle or starting-point, since all other things that all men do are done for its sake; and that which is the first principle and cause of things good we agree to be something honorable and divine.