Final answer:
Socrates in Plato's Republic states that guardians must live communally, sharing all aspects of life to be virtuous leaders. They should be trained from youth to value their lifestyle and avoid influences that could weaken their character. The society relies on their adherence to these principles to maintain justice and harmony.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Plato's Republic, Socrates delineates the requirements for the guardian class. These guardians are to live a communal life without private property, sharing everything including children and mates. They start their training at a young age to ensure they embrace their way of life not as a sacrifice but as a privilege. The guardians are to be exposed only to narratives that foster courage, honor, and patriotism, and avoid any that depict suffering or death as fearful. They are expected to be examples of virtue and wisdom, which are the foundational virtues of the state alongside courage and discipline.
If the guardians fail to adhere to these requirements, the cohesion and functionality of the state's leadership is compromised. The consequences of their non-compliance are not explicitly detailed by Socrates, but it can be inferred that the city would suffer from poor leadership, potentially leading to injustice, disharmony, and societal collapse. The guardians' adherence to the prescribed lifestyle is crucial for maintaining the just society that Socrates envisions.