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In Plato’s The Republic, the Philosopher-King is dedicated to be a ruler of society, trained extensively from childhood in philosophy and liberal arts (“music”) and physical culture (“gymnastics”). The Philosopher-King resides within the class of Guardian, or the upper echelon of society which is responsible for management and protection of the whole.
The Philosopher-King is marked by:
Being a lover of learning: “they will never intentionally receive into their minds falsehood, which is their detestation, and they will love the truth.” (The Republic, Benjamin Jowett translation)
Temperance and lack of covetousness: “for the motives which make another man desirous of having and spending, have no place in his character.”
Being neither illiberal (stubborn, intolerant, mean) nor a coward: “Then the cowardly and mean nature has no part in true philosophy?”
Justice in dealings: “Then you will soon observe whether a man is just and gentle, or rude and unsociable; these are the signs which distinguish even in youth the philosophical nature from the un-philosophical.”
The Philosopher-King is, in short, “noble, gracious, the friend of truth, justice, courage, temperance,” and fortitude. He or She is well trained, physically, mentally, and spiritually. They are ready to fight (for what’s right), ready to argue (for what is true), and ready to sacrifice (for what is good). They fear only the things worth fearing (= a life poorly lived) which does not include death. They are the creme de le creme, so to speak.