So the nature required to make a really noble Guardian of our commonwealth will be swift and strong, spirited, and philosophic.

Justice is having and doing what is one's own.

To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one's own nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat.

And first he will see the shadows best, next the reflections of men and other objects in the water, and then the objects themselves, then he will gaze upon the light of the moon and the stars and the spangled heaven...Last of all he will be able to see the sun.

Better a little which is well done, than a great deal imperfectly.

No man's nature is able to know what is best for the social state of man; or, knowing, always able to do what is best.

And among the other honours and rewards our young men can win for distinguished service in war and in other activities, will be more frequent opportunities to sleep with a woman; this will give us a pretext for ensuring that most of our children are born of that parent.