In time of war the thousand citizens are to stand like a rampart impregnable against the world or the Persian host; in time of peace the preparation for war and their duties to the State, which are also their duties to one another, take up their whole life and time.

The only other interest which is allowed to them besides that of war, is the interest of philosophy.

When they are too old to be soldiers they are to retire from active life and to have a second novitiate of study and contemplation.

There is an element of monasticism even in Plato's communism.

If he could have done without children, he might have converted his Republic into a religious order.