In Darkness We Thrive
Chillin’ in a Cave
Plato is a big deal and one of his most influential works if The Republic.
In it he has an allegory which strikes me as universally relevant regardless of place or time. It speaks to the essence of being human.
I am referring to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.
If you would like an introduction/refresher please watch this video to prime you for whats next.
Please note: It’s not required reading which means you don’t have to watch it. Read on and you’ll know everything you need to know.
Dank Yet Comfy
If you’ve lived in a cave your entire life then you probably find it pretty agreeable.
It is homy, safe, and all around a good time.
You don’t have anything else to compare it to so how could you ever know?
This is the premise of the Allegory.
It focuses on the fact that humans are limited to their own conscious experience of the what they perceive to be the world.
This limited viewpoint doesn’t really give us a chance to step back and introspect.
Escape Means Withdrawal
Whenever humans leave what is comfortable they are instantly confronted by a wave of regret, doubt, and overall unease. This is the definition of being uncomfortable.
Plato likens this experience to that of leaving your cave for the first time.
At first your escape fills you with curiousity and unbridled excitement. Almost immediately, however, you are hit with reality: this really sucks.
It is everything the cave isn’t. It’s arid, bright as hell, and certainly not groovy.
This new reality gives you symptoms very similar to withdrawal. You yearn for your moist, cold cave.
Over time however your eyes adjust and you learn to see like never before.
Your sense of smell adapts.
Your hearing is no longer assaulted with a never ending echo effect.
Your skin feels the changing winds, and you can taste the rain fall.
You are reborn!
Prophet Syndrome
When we encounter such an experience, and are able to undergo the transformation we come out feeling enlightened, WOKE even.
We instantly have a desire to tell the people we know, to go back to our old cave neighbors and tell them about the world you just discovered.
Should you though?
Depends. Will they bash your head in with rocks?
If so, then no go.
Russian Doll Reality
Your ex cave mates may not be ready for your knowledge.
If they aren’t willing to experience a reality that defies their own you shouldn’t try to force it.
Instead Plato suggests the following: ponder the fact that you may be living in yet another cave, one which only feels more real than the one you escaped.
Main Takeaway
Certainty gives us a feeling of control. Take that away and we become scared and defensive. Conflicting evidence becomes an enemy to be eradicated and we retreat further into our own reality.
Imagining Justice ~ Part 3 of 7
This is a series of writings based on what I learned during my first quarter in college. They will be centered around the theme of exploring justice so that we may understand its essence and possibly reimagine it’s application.
I hope you found this useful.
Let me know by sending me a message here: @axelian
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered Legal Advice. Please consult a professional before making any major decisions.
