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Such, then, are our principles of nurture and education: Where

would be the use of going into further details about the dances

of our citizens, or about their hunting and coursing, their

gymnastic and equestrian contests? For these all follow the

general principle, and having found that, we shall have no

difficulty in discovering them.

I dare say that there will be no difficulty.

Very good, I said; then what is the next question? Must we not

ask who are to be rulers and who subjects?

Certainly.

There can be no doubt that the elder must rule the younger.

Clearly.

And that the best of these must rule.

That is also clear.

Now, are not the best husbandmen those who are most devoted to

husbandry?

Yes.

And as we are to have the best of guardians for our city, must

they not be those who have most the character of guardians?

Yes.

And to this end they ought to be wise and efficient, and to have

a special care of the State?

True.

And a man will be most likely to care about that which he loves?

To be sure.