If there were only some way of contriving that a state or an army should be made up of lovers and their beloved, they would be the very best governors of their own city, abstaining from all dishonour, and emulating one another in honour; and when fighting at each other's side, although a mere handful, they would overcome the world. For what lover would not choose rather to be seen by all mankind than by his beloved, either when abandoning his post or throwing away his arms? He would be ready to die a thousand deaths rather than endure this.

The gods created certain kinds of beings to replenish our bodies... they are the trees and the plants and the seeds.

So their combinations with themselves and with each other give rise to endless complexities, which anyone who is to give a likely account of reality must survey.

Must not all things at the last be swallowed up in death?

The most virtuous are those who content themselves with being virtuous without seeking to appear so.

Of all the things of a man's soul which he has within him, justice is the greatest good and injustice the greatest evil.

Wonder is the beginning of the desire to know the beautiful and the good.