The education of statesmen in Plato's time encompassed various subjects, including arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music, all classified under mathematics according to Pythagorean teachings. These subjects were considered essential for developing the skills necessary for leadership and governance.
Anecdotes from history illustrate the value placed on learning; for example, when Alexander the Great sought an easier method of learning geometry from Menaechmus, he was reminded that, unlike other pursuits, geometry offers a single, universal path to understanding. This highlights the importance of dedication to learning complex subjects without shortcuts.