Thoughts regarding Plato's Cave.

In my current Humanities class, we read about Plato's "Allegory of the Cave." These people are chained in a cave for years and years, and all they can see of the world is shadows cast on the wall from a world that's behind them...

Here are my thoughts on the subject: (a paper I had to write for the class that asked for my thoughts on various topics, I chose this one. 400 word maximum.).

I imagine these central characters, imprisoned in a cave only able to see shadows of reality, would be amazed, in shock and awe at the wonders they would discover upon seeing Beauty for the first time as opposed to its mere shadow. With knowledge comes great responsibility, and once one has crossed over into knowledge, as opposed to imprisoned ignorance, one cannot ever go back; everything is forever changed. Such an experience is the epitome of paradigm shifts.

I had just such an experience in 2007 when I chose to take a break from my education in Marketing and travel to Africa to live, doing humanitarian work for six months. I was completely unaware of my passions in life and only pursuing what I knew could make me money and get me closer to the ‘American Dream’ lifestyle that I so desired. As I looked out the airplane window over Africa, I had a sinking feeling that my world was about to radically change. Every reality I’d ever known was challenged, in what is valued and sought after as a worldly American. I saw hurt and poverty that I could never have imagined. All of the things I’d been pursuing, all the things I’d been taught by our culture began to seem completely meaningless. Once I returned to America at the end of 2007, I had so much shock to overcome that it was overwhelming. My life in America suddenly felt meaningless as well. I knew I didn’t care about money anymore, I couldn’t pretend that possessions mattered for a moment longer. Several months later I discovered my passions and have begun pursuing those, as I started a nonprofit that works with the homeless and began writing their stories to raise awareness and hopefully change lives.

My heart was devastated by the things I saw and experienced during my time in Africa, my education was postponed which effected my long term plans significantly, relationships I had at the time were hurt by my absence, and it cost me a lot. However, there hasn’t been a moment since that I’ve regretted my decision to go and moreover, the effects it has had on my life as well as the newfound worldview that has forever changed the way I live. I don’t for a moment believe that ignorance is bliss even though knowledge creates huge responsibility.