Much sleep is not required by nature, either for our souls or bodies, or for the action in which they are concerned.

Is there anything worse for a state than to be split and disunited? or anything better than cohesion and unity?

Wherefore also these Kinds [elements] occupied different places even before the universe was organised and generated out of them. Before that time, in truth, all these were in a state devoid of reason or measure, but when the work of setting in order this Universe was being undertaken, fire and water and earth and air, although possessing some traces of their known nature, were yet disposed as everything is likely to be in the absence of God; and inasmuch as this was then their natural condition, God began by first marking them out into shapes by means of forms and numbers.

Moderation, which consists in indifference about little things, and in a prudent and well-proportioned zeal about things of importance, can proceed from nothing but true knowledge, which has its foundation in self-acquaintance.

Great parts produce great vices as well as virtues.

Until philosophers hold power, neither states nor individuals will have rest from trouble.

Philosophy is the highest music.