Towards the close of the Republic, Plato seems to be more and more convinced of the ideal character of his own speculations.

At the end of the 9th Book the pattern which is in heaven takes the place of the city of philosophers on earth.

The vision which has received form and substance at his hands, is now discovered to be at a distance.

And yet this distant kingdom is also the rule of man's life.

('Say not lo! here, or lo! there, for the kingdom of God is within you.') Thus a note is struck which prepares for the revelation of a future life in the following Book.