PLATO’S CAVE
Plato compares mankind to a group of people imprisoned in a cave. Their necks and legs are chained so that they are only able to see what is in front of them. The activities of their jailors cast shadows on the wall in front of them. This interplay of light and darkness presents an illusion that becomes their only reality. One day, a man frees himself and creeps past the guards to the outside. At first, the bright light hurts his eyes but after some time he is able to view his surroundings without pain. He is astonished to find himself in a completely different world. Overwhelmed with awe and excitement, he sneaks back to share his experience with his fellow inmates. He tells them there is a space outside a million times larger than the cave. Some plants are ten times bigger than himself. A globe of light moves through the air, unattached to the Earth. The others recoil in disbelief and scorn and ridicule his “vivid imagination”. All but one refuse to follow him. Our unwillingness to see other viewpoints shackles us. We are convinced that our reality is the absolute truth when it is only the creation of our feelings and thoughts. Fear immobilizes our movements and restricts any action toward change and growth. We mistake security in familiar surroundings and are reluctant or even horrified to venture into the unknown even if that path leads us to a greater joy and a higher fulfillment. We are all in Plato’s cave. Life cannot be understood and mastered by one trip into the light.
Reproductions are available in our gift shop.
Plato compares mankind to a group of people imprisoned in a cave. Their necks and legs are chained so that they are only able to see what is in front of them. The activities of their jailors cast shadows on the wall in front of them. This interplay of light and darkness presents an illusion that becomes their only reality. One day, a man frees himself and creeps past the guards to the outside. At first, the bright light hurts his eyes but after some time he is able to view his surroundings without pain. He is astonished to find himself in a completely different world. Overwhelmed with awe and excitement, he sneaks back to share his experience with his fellow inmates. He tells them there is a space outside a million times larger than the cave. Some plants are ten times bigger than himself. A globe of light moves through the air, unattached to the Earth. The others recoil in disbelief and scorn and ridicule his “vivid imagination”. All but one refuse to follow him. Our unwillingness to see other viewpoints shackles us. We are convinced that our reality is the absolute truth when it is only the creation of our feelings and thoughts. Fear immobilizes our movements and restricts any action toward change and growth. We mistake security in familiar surroundings and are reluctant or even horrified to venture into the unknown even if that path leads us to a greater joy and a higher fulfillment. We are all in Plato’s cave. Life cannot be understood and mastered by one trip into the light.
Reproductions are available in our gift shop.