The purpose of art is to represent the meaning of things. This represents the true reality, not external aspects.
We can do noble acts without ruling the earth and sea.
A tragedy is that moment where the hero comes face to face with his true identity.
Virtue means doing the right thing, in relation to the right person, at the right time, to the right extent, in the right manner, and for the right purpose. Thus, to give money away is quite a simple task, but for the act to be virtuous, the donor must give to the right person, for the right purpose, in the right amount, in the right manner, and at the right time.
Some things the legislator must find ready to his hand in a state, others he must provide. And therefore we can only say: May our state be constituted in such a manner as to be blessed with the goods of which fortune disposes (for we acknowledge her power): whereas virtue and goodness in the state are not a matter of chance but the result of knowledge and purpose. A city can be virtuous only when the citizens who have a share in the government are virtuous, and in our state all the citizens share in the government.
To be always seeking after the useful does not become free and exalted souls.
Every skill, every search for knowledge, and similarly every action and choice, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason, good has rightly been said to be what everything aims for.
The activity of happiness must occupy an entire lifetime; for one swallow does not a summer make.
Nature does nothing in vain. Therefore, it is imperative for persons to act in accordance with their nature and develop their latent talents, in order to be content and complete.
Different people look for happiness in different ways, using different methods, and so they create different lifestyles and governments for themselves.
