. . . you did not seem to me over-fond of money. And this is the way in general with those who have not made it themselves, while those who have are twice as fond of it as anyone else. For just as poets are fond of their own poems, and fathers of their own children, so money-makers become devoted to money, not only because, like other people, they find it useful, but because it's their own creation.

When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest...and there is nothing to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war

Desires are only the lack of something: and those who have the greatest desires are in a worse condition than those who have none, or very slight ones.

What a poor appearance the tales of poets make when stripped of the colours which music puts upon them, and recited in simple prose.

The contemplation of beauty causes the soul to grow wings.

In order to seek one's own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life.

Your dog is your only philosopher.