And as every animal has from nature something that distinguishes it, which every one maintains and never quits; so man has something far more excellent, though everything is said to be excellent by comparison.

But the human mind, being derived from the divine reason, can be compared with nothing but with the Deity itself, if I may be allowed the expression.

This, then, if it is improved, and when its perception is so preserved as not to be blinded by errors, becomes a perfect understanding, that is to say, absolute reason, which is the very same as virtue.

And if everything is happy which wants nothing, and is complete and perfect in its kind, and that is the peculiar lot of virtue, certainly all who are possessed of virtue are happy.

And in this I agree with Brutus, and also with Aristotle, Xenocrates, Speusippus, Polemon.
XIV.