They will partly teach themselves, and partly will be taught by God, the art of propitiating Him; for they are His puppets, and have only a small portion in truth.
'You have a poor opinion of man.' No wonder, when I compare him with God; but, if you are offended, I will place him a little higher.
Next follow the building for gymnasia and schools; these will be in the midst of the city, and outside will be riding-schools and archery-grounds.

In all of them there ought to be instructors of the young, drawn from foreign parts by pay, and they will teach them music and war.

Education shall be compulsory; the children must attend school, whether their parents like it or not; for they belong to the state more than to their parents.

And I say further, without hesitation, that the same education in riding and gymnastic shall be given both to men and women.

The ancient tradition about the Amazons confirms my view, and at the present day there are myriads of women, called Sauromatides, dwelling near the Pontus, who practise the art of riding as well as archery and the use of arms.