The first bond of society is the marriage tie; the next our children; then the whole family of our house, and all things in common.

A s laws multiply, injustice increases.

For out of such an ungoverned populace one is usually chosen as a leader, someone bold and unscrupulous who curries favor with the people by giving them other men's property. To such a man the protection of public office is given, and continually renewed. He emerges as a tyrant over the very people who raised him to power.

Orators are most vehement when they have the weakest cause, as men get on horseback when they cannot walk.

That which is usually called dotage is not the weak point of all old men, but only of such as are distinguished by their levity.

To live long it is necessary to live slowly.

Not cohabitation but consensus constitutes marriage.