Infinite Repetition of Unshackling Our Chain

    Plato’s timeless allegory, “The Allegory of the Cave” is not a relic of ancient philosophy but a reflection of our contemporary world. Just as the captives are chained within the confines of a dark cave, we have found ourselves trapped, largely unaware of the limitations of our perception. Even though the eyes are given, we only perceive ‘visible light’ among all electromagnetic waves and assume that rainbow colors are all about the color. We do not know whether the whole cosmos consists of strings, particles, or other forms. We regard what we see as hundred percent sure, but then how can we be deceived by magicians? In the recesses of human history, there have been lots of moments when our ancestors unshackled their chains and met the sun. However, it seems like a bunch of suns are waiting for us to turn around. 

    Being the sole fortunate soul to escape the cave is no simple feat, though. We shall explore how other captives react when the enlightened one returns to the cave. This man, having grown accustomed to the light of truth, must furrow his brows as his eyes adjust to the darkness. To his fellow captives, however, his journey to the surface appears to have ruined his visions. This new, ridiculous situation happening to the captives will confuse them, making them regard ascent as a waste of time. Perhaps, the captives even contemplate silencing the bearer of truth.

Galileo Galilei was the fortunate soul who had a chance to get closer to the sun. He knew that the earth was not the center of the universe. Just like the figure in the allegory, he returned to the cave: Galileo defended heliocentrism in his book, Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. What makes Plato’s allegory invaluable is that it penetrated the nature of human beings. In order to guard their strong belief in Christianity, the Roman Inquisition tried Galileo in 1633, judging him as “vehemently suspect of heresy.” The unconditional belief that the Earth was at the center of the universe was chains and shackles of the people at that time. We can glean another valuable lesson from genuine historical accounts: a glimpse into how this enlightened man responded to the fear of death. Too old and frail to argue against the imposing and formidable institution, Galileo withdrew his assertion about heliocentrism. Although other captives were not convinced immediately, this case is remarkable, for Galileo was actually a devoted Christian who himself broke partition and opened the path toward the world. 

    In “The Allegory of the Cave,” once the man gets to view the light, he undergoes a profound transformation in his perspective. All the rewards underground no longer seem significant. Soon a sense of pity emerges for those who remain in the shadows. However, were I to find myself as a lucky guy, my response might differ. As I was also one of the captives, I understand their whole universe is limited to the cave, and they have no chance to be aware of it. In this context, pursuing the best they can achieve within their confined circumstances is entirely rational. I would not feel pity or any negative sentiment, as both the freed self and the captives are simply striving to make the most of their respective worlds. Still, I’ll be given some sort of responsibility to believe their visions and move their bodies outside: being a craft myself. I would realize humbleness at the same time. Having been out of the cave, I will suspect the possibility of discovering another sun which might lead me out of a cave I didn’t even realize to be.

    Through The Allegory of the Cave, I could contemplate the past, present, and perhaps, even future. It becomes evident that throughout history, the liberation of humanity from the cave of ignorance has been made possible through the efforts of many fortunate crafts. However, the presence of truth itself humbles us, as it reminds us of the vast expanse of knowledge that still eludes our grasp. One day, some among us will discover new revelations of light falling from the sky and risk appearing absurd and ludicrous to others. Because it will wake us once more. There is always a possibility of another sun.