Until philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy, and political greatness and wisdom meet in one, and those commoner natures who pursue either to the exclusion of the other are compelled to stand aside, cities will never have rest from their evils - no, nor the human race, as I believe - and then only will this our State have a possibility of life and behold the light of day.

To think truly is noble and to be deceived is base.

If there is no contradictory impression, there is nothing to awaken reflection

The qualities of number appear to lead to the apprehension of truth.

Entire ignorance is not so terrible or extreme an evil, and is far from being the greatest of all.

The wisdom of men is worth little or nothing.

... the community suffers nothing very terrible if its cobblers are bad and become degenerate and pretentious; but if the Guardians of its laws and constitution, who alone have the opportunity to bring it good government and prosperity, become a mere sham, then clearly it is completely ruined.