The chief aim of their constitution is that, whenever public needs permit, all citizens should be free, so far as possible, to withdraw their time and energy from the service of the body, and devote themselves to the freedom and culture of the mind. For that, they think, is the real happiness of life.

. . . the state of things and the dispositions of men were then such, that a man could not well tell whom he might trust or whom he might fear.

Instead of inflicting these horrible punishments, it would be far more to the point to provide everyone with some means of livelihood, so that nobody's under the frightful necessity of becoming, first a thief, and then a corpse.

Nobody owns anything but everyone is rich - for what greater wealth can there be than cheerfulness, peace of mind, and freedom from anxiety?

Anyone who campaigns for public office becomes disqualified for holding any office at all.

A man taking basil from a woman will love her always.

Take something from yourself, to give to another, that is humane and gentle and never takes away as much comfort as it brings again.