The Path to Enlightenment:

1019 Words3 Pages

Philosophy has been around since the beginning of time, Plato the student of Socrates was enlightened through a story told by Socrates ‘The Allegory of the Cave’. The story was about perception of the world; This particular story reveals the true light of society. Opening one’s eyes to enlightenment is not only giving one a gift but it is also giving one a responsibility. Society is blinded for the most part. Philosophers were men of question and had a far different level of enlightenment. These men questioned everything, these men sought out the absolute truth by questioning everything. This story portrays that most people will never be truly enlightened. Most men and women have been blinded since birth but people have a choice to choose ignorance or enlightenment.

First of all, philosophers are neither correct nor incorrect these men have only sought out knowledge. That being said for the most part, people of the time thought philosophers were ‘crackpots’ having no real proof of their philosophical ideas. On the other hand the philosophical story that is being referred to makes a great deal of sense. In this world we are born we live and we die this is certain, most people live for the moment in time and are completely distracted by the shadows that are seen on the wall. Only looking at these shadows as the only way to live life and the only meaning for life but these are only distractions. These distractions whatever they might be seem to occupy life itself, life is not only work, play and sleep much more is out there.

The shadows are the distractions people seem to like best resulting in basic needs eating, drinking and surviving. Furthermore this could also include fun and games, everyone seems to be caught up in this no ...

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...n such a story that has enlightened many. Furthermore it is mankind’s responsibility to seek the truth.

Last of all, my personal conclusion of this story and lesson has been one of the most exhilarating and meaningful stories I have ever read. More people should understand the concepts and metaphors in this particular lesson. This lesson still applies today, the world might have advanced technology and all sorts of new ideas but this is the fundamental of society. The mind is so easily controlled by the distractions that are put in place for mankind. The distractions are put in place and are enforced by the Governments, Media and yes hate to say it but the one percentile. Socrates the ‘crackpot’ sure was ahead of his time and in many ways is still ahead of those in this ’world’ and ‘time’ ; Fact is most have no conception of reality and refuse true enlightenment.

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