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A man of thirty does not run on in this way; he will argue and

not merely contradict, and adds new honour to philosophy by the

sobriety of his conduct. What time shall we allow for this second

gymnastic training of the soul?-say, twice the time required for

the gymnastics of the body; six, or perhaps five years, to

commence at thirty, and then for fifteen years let the student go

down into the den, and command armies, and gain experience of

life. At fifty let him return to the end of all things, and have

his eyes uplifted to the idea of good, and order his life after

that pattern; if necessary, taking his turn at the helm of State,

and training up others to be his successors. When his time comes

he shall depart in peace to the islands of the blest. He shall be

honoured with sacrifices, and receive such worship as the Pythian

oracle approves.