Did we not say that the true artist or guardian ought to have an eye, not only to the many, but to the one, and to order all things with a view to the one?
Can there be any more philosophical speculation than how to reduce many things which are unlike to one idea?
'Perhaps not.' Say rather, 'Certainly not.' And the rulers of our divine state ought to have an exact knowledge of the common principle in courage, temperance, justice, wisdom, which is called by the name of virtue; and unless we know whether virtue is one or many, we shall hardly know what virtue is.

Shall we contrive some means of engrafting this knowledge on our state, or give the matter up?
'Anything rather than that.' Let us begin by making an agreement.

'By all means, if we can.' Well, are we not agreed that our guardians ought to know, not only how the good and the honourable are many, but also how they are one?
'Yes, certainly.' The true guardian of the laws ought to know their truth, and should also be able to interpret and execute them?
'He should.' And is there any higher knowledge than the knowledge of the existence and power of the Gods?
The people may be excused for following tradition; but the guardian must be able to give a reason of the faith which is in him.

And there are two great evidences of religion--the priority of the soul and the order of the heavens.

For no man of sense, when he contemplates the universe, will be likely to substitute necessity for reason and will.