This was also how princes were trained but they were only admitted "by merit". The philosophy of these "Seven Wise Men" directed the affairs of the Persian Empire  until their overthrow by Muhammad in 638 AD.
This method of prince education was also applied to the training of other leaders, including princes, who were only accepted based on their merits. The philosophical framework established by the "Seven Wise Men" influenced the administration of the Persian Empire until its downfall at the hands of Muhammad in 638 AD.