Inferiors revolt in order that they may be equal, and equals that they may be superior. Such is the state of mind which creates revolutions.

For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honour the truth first.

Politicians also have no leisure, because they are always aiming at something beyond political life itself, power and glory, or happiness.

No notice is taken of a little evil, but when it increases it strikes the eye.

Those who excel in virtue have the best right of all to rebel, but then they are of all men the least inclined to do so.

The state comes into existence for the sake of life and continues to exist for the sake of good life.

No one loves the man whom he fears.

Piety requires us to honour truth above our friends.

Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good, and alike in excellence; for these wish well alike to each other qua good, and they are good in themselves.

Bring your desires down to your present means. Increase them only when your increased means permit.

I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.

Our judgments when we are pleased and friendly are not the same as when we are pained and hostile.

No excellent soul is exempt from a mixture of madness.

He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled.

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.

Courage is a mean with regard to fear and confidence.

For one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.

Change in all things is sweet.

Even when laws have been written down, they ought not always to remain unaltered.