The Simile Of The Cave

1 Pages 223 Words

In Plato’s work “The Simile of the Cave”, Socrates talks about such themes as ignorance of men, and enlightenment. You can compare this to everyday life, but I think he was talking about politics. He says “ Society will never be governed either by the uneducated, who have no knowledge of the truth… the intellectuals will take no practical action of their own accord, fancying themselves to be out of this world in some earthly paradise.” He believes that the current people who are living and running society, are blinded by their idea of what is right, and have no will to change their views. It’s far easier to go through life excepting everything you are taught, and never challenging anything or anyone. Later he goes on to talk about how in ones lifetime he has the chance to excommunicate himself from the “cave” (prison) and gain more knowledge about himself and other people. Then you are also able to teach others about your findings and experiences. But you can’t just live your life on your own, Socrates says: later you are going to have to come back to society and even though things may not be right there, at least you will know who you are, and see things as they truly may be....