In our dances imitations of war should be practised, as in the dances of the Curetes in Crete and of the Dioscuri at Sparta, or as in the dances in complete armour which were taught us Athenians by the goddess Athene.

Youths who are not yet of an age to go to war should make religious processions armed and on horseback; and they should also engage in military games and contests.

These exercises will be equally useful in peace and war, and will benefit both states and families.
Next follows music, to which we will once more return; and here I shall venture to repeat my old paradox, that amusements have great influence on laws.

He who has been taught to play at the same games and with the same playthings will be content with the same laws.

There is no greater evil in a state than the spirit of innovation.