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You must, each of you, take your turn, and become able to use

your eyes in the dark, and with a little practice you will see

far better than those who quarrel about the shadows, whose

knowledge is a dream only, whilst yours is a waking reality. It

may be that the saint or philosopher who is best fitted, may also

be the least inclined to rule, but necessity is laid upon him,

and he must no longer live in the heaven of ideas. And this will

be the salvation of the State. For those who rule must not be

those who are desirous to rule; and, if you can offer to our

citizens a better life than that of rulers generally is, there

will be a chance that the rich, not only in this world's goods,

but in virtue and wisdom, may bear rule. And the only life which

is better than the life of political ambition is that of

philosophy, which is also the best preparation for the government

of a State.