A democracy is a state in which the poor, gaining the upper hand, kill some and banish others, and then divide the offices among the remaining citizens equally, usually by lot.

That a guardian should require another guardian to take care of him is ridiculous indeed.

All the gold which is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue.

Arithmetic is a kind of knowledge in which the best natures should be trained, and which must not be given up.

And we have made of ourselves living cesspools, and driven doctors to invent names for our diseases.

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

Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods.