The best time for a Golden Age

[HatchetMan]

Last night, I played the game for the first time when my UU
triggered a golden age. I hadn't prepared for this, as I still ruled
under monarchy with all the corruption & waste it brings with it.
Since the golden age increases shield and commerce production,
I didn't get full benefit of the golden age. So I recommend to
trigger it right after a revolution to cut corr&waste.
I also think it's favourable to trigger it not so late in the game.
What do you guys think?

[randomturn]

A late golden age gives those benefits to more cities, so arithmetically speaking that would seem to be the way to go. However, especially on higher levels, you often really need an early golden age just to keep up in the all-important early game. Also, building certain Great Wonders will trigger a golden age depending on your civ, so be mindful of that. I once entered golden age when I really didn't want to!

[Morganstern]

I had a similar experience after building Colossus at Atlanta. I had just gone to the Monarchy form of government, already had the Pyramids at my capital, and suddenly all these shields are popping up, and I can build things like crazy! I'm not yet sure how all this works, as it's a lot earlier than any "golden age" equivalent I ever got in Civ II, but so far I like it.