The deity on purpose [sings] the liveliest of all lyrics through the most miserable poet.

For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.

...there are some who are naturally fitted for philosophy and political leadership, while the rest should follow their lead and let philosophy alone.

Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.

No town can live peacefully whatever its laws when its citizens do nothing but feast and drink and tire themselves out in the cares of love

For just as poets love their own works, and fathers their own children, in the same way those who have created a fortune value their money, not merely for its uses, like other persons, but because it is their own production. This makes them moreover disagreeable companions, because they will praise nothing but riches.

Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.