The myth of the Four Metals
Throughout the Republic,Plato stresses the need for experts in every
department of social life-shoe making, medicine, seamanship and
every other skill,His belief is that being a ruler is also kind of skill ,one
that can be taught to a few talented and self-disciplined intdividuals who
show an aptitude for study. These individuals will be selected from the
military and promoted to the class called "Guardians".
Guardians would be universally acknowledged as legitimate and wise
rulers because they were born "golden" and possessed knowledge of the Forms.