7.4: Compulsory Service for Philosophers

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See 519b-521b. To understand the form of the good is to become wise, and wise philosophers will understand and appreciate that justice requires them to do their proper job for the flourishing of the city. Besides, they realize they owe a debt to the city for their upbringing. Therefore, although ruling a city is not as pleasant as remaining in undisturbed contemplation of the eternal nature of things, enlightened philosophers will nonetheless accept the responsibility and return to the cave as politicians. As individuals, they may be happier philosophizing all the time, but the city as a whole will be happier with them ruling.

Ideally, what should be the motivation for someone to go into politics?
What does Socrates mean when he suggests that a true philosopher would despise ruling? Wouldn’t this be to despise what is good?
Recalling the division of goods at the beginning of Book II, what would Socrates consider ruling, something good for its own sake, something good for its consequences, or both?
Is Socrates right that cities are best ruled by people “least eager torule”?
Can a person go off like a hermit and philosophize outside of society, or does the activity of philosophy require the kind of interaction that only a city can provide?