Illuminating The Allegory of the Cave

Uninvited expressions of light in the world often give rise to dread rather than rejoice

Déjà New

In college I read Plato’s “The Republic” and upon turning the final page and closing the back cover, realized my life was forever changed. The words still echo in my mind, particularly the section describing the Allegory of the Cave. Curiosity, enchantment and fascination led me to read and re-read that section at least a dozen times. In one respect, I marveled at the novelty of Plato’s ideas. A spate of disbelief overwhelmed me simultaneously at the immediate resonance and striking familiarity of the words. I completely devoured the metaphoric and philosophic tenet: Enlightenment is a choice.

Assume Nothing

Plato writes that a single cave dweller (explorer) dares to journey outside the confines of darkness and false projections of light reflected on the cave walls. Shadows projected onto the walls appeared real to the cave dwellers. Their whole existence rested upon believing these images as true. No one attempted to leave the safety of the cave for fear of the unknown. Staunch belief in the false images and fear conveyed an almost-certain demise waiting outside the walls. The lone, brave explorer discovers the truth: He is safe. No death awaits him upon ascending from the bowels of the cave. All he sees is beautiful, natural, real light. Thrilled and awed by his discovery of a light-filled world beyond the cave, he assumes all other cave dwellers will welcome his news with cheers of gratitude and delight. Embarking on the long trek back, the explorer returns to the cave and shares his tidings of real light existing beyond the darkness. By implicit consensus, he is promptly stoned to death. The ominous lesson of the story: never assume “cave dwellers” want anything more than their self-imposed darkness.

It’s Not About You

As tempting as it is to share insights and “shine a light” on someone’s issues, never assume your efforts will be met with a smile. You do not know what value that individual or group places upon keeping things status quo. Maybe their identity rests on the problem existing. Maybe they do not know who they are without their limitations, even if self-imposed.

Kindness Redefined

Another idea attributed to Plato is to be kind since everyone is fighting a hard battle. Sometimes our definition of kindness is mistaken. Kindness does not mean robbing another of his or her defenses and illusions unless he or she is ready to discard them. The universal application of the preceding sentiment leads to less conflict in any type of relationship. It’s not personal; he or she may not share your perspective and therefore most likely does not share your perceptions either. Being kind means allowing someone to be whom he or she is without having to change to meet your needs. Preferences for outcomes are natural, but when we grow recalcitrant that a certain outcome must occur, no matter the “kind” intention, we are setting ourselves up to be viewed as unkind by the recipient of our actions.

Unintended Offense

Revisiting Plato’s cave, the cave dwellers never asked to be freed from their mistaken beliefs. They were content and comfortable believing the lie. In some respect, the lone explorer was unkind to the cave dwellers, no matter how seemingly pure his intentions. Any time we approach with advice or suggestions implying change without receiving a request to do so, our actions may be interpreted from a place of fear and of feeling attacked. What does one do upon feeling attacked? The answer: Defend. Usually we will defend at all costs to protect our position regardless if the position is physical or psychological. Plato astutely recognized the paradox of kindness: Possible dissonance of perceptions between the giver and recipient of the kindness as either being a gift or an attack. Initial intentions do not ensure intended outcomes and can never predict the recipient’s interpretation and accompanying actions or dismissals.

Stop. Think. Choose.

Next time you feel an urge to intervene, no matter how helpful the precipitating desire, wait. Instead, allow others the space to seek your illuminating observations and suggestions. True enlightenment does not exist in any form if it must be forced. Before acting, determine if you are ready for all possible outcomes resulting from your overtures and then execute your choice. The short respite may seem inconsequential. However, it may prevent your physical or psychological demise by those preferring their lovely illusion to the terrifying truth.

I love connecting. Please share an experience when your “kindness” was perceived as an attack. How did you handle the conflict? Follow me here