Liber III, Pars III — In qua aetate assuescendi sunt iuvenes ad opera bellica, et ex quibus signis cognoscere possumus homines bellicosos. Cap. III.

Liber III, Pars III — In qua aetate assuescendi sunt iuvenes ad opera bellica, et ex quibus signis cognoscere possumus homines bellicosos. Cap. III.

As we mentioned earlier, the philosopher says that it is necessary to train young people in military skills from the age of fourteen. It is foolish to want to learn how to fight only when the need to battle arises, putting one's life at risk. Therefore, young people should be accustomed to strong labor from the age of fourteen, so they can engage in military and combative tasks. This aligns with what Vegetius says, that from the time of puberty, young people should be trained for military duties. Indeed, it is important to know that courageous and strong men are more useful for war than timid ones. Moreover, physically strong and tough individuals are more suitable for military work because they are more powerful. Additionally, when we observe certain animals that are combative and others that are timid, humans who resemble the combative animals seem more useful for war. Thus, we can recognize brave men by three types of signs. It's foolish not to want to learn how to fight before the need to do so arises, especially when life is exposed to the dangers of death. Therefore, so that soldiers have time to learn the skills required for war, they should start training for military tasks at the onset of puberty. Thus, if a legislator, as a king or prince, must commit to war, he should choose men who are trained and strong soldiers. We must see in what age those who should become soldiers for military actions are to be trained: it remains to see by what signs we can recognize warlike men. Therefore, it must be understood that bold and courageous men are more useful for war than timid ones. Moreover, strong and tough-bodied men are more powerful in strength and should be preferred for military work. Furthermore, when we observe various warlike animals and timid ones, men similar to warlike animals seem to be more useful for battle. Thus, we can recognize warlike men by three types of signs. First, there are signs through which courage and boldness are indicated. Second, there are signs that show strength and the robustness of the body. Third, there are signs through which we are conformed to warlike animals. There are signs that indicate boldness and the vigor of the heart, the vigilance of the eyes, and the erectness of the neck. Thus, Vegetius says that a young man destined for martial work should be vigilant with his eyes and have an erect neck. Signs that indicate the strength of the body and the power of the limbs are the hardness of the flesh and the firmness of the muscles, the strength of the arms, and the robustness of the body. For according to the philosopher, 8. First, it requires a certain kind of political skill. A military endeavor and the diligence of the mind require a completely opposite approach. For it is written in 2. We say that the soul, soft in flesh, is apt in mind. But conversely, we say that those who are hard in flesh, with compacted nerves and muscles, are vigorous and stronger in body, and more suited for battle. The signs that conform us to warlike animals are the size of their limbs and the breadth of their chest. For we see that lions, the strongest of animals, have great arms and broad chests. Therefore, when we see in a man that he is vigilant with his eyes, erect in his neck, hard in flesh, compact in nerves and muscles, having long arms and a broad chest, We must argue that a person is suited for warfare and capable of fighting. Therefore, such warriors should be sought, because it often happens that they are fit for military actions.