In the “Allegory of the Cave,” Plato describes a society that has spent their existence unknowingly imprisoned beneath the ground, with only the play of shadows across the walls providing content for their existence. They regard these shadows as absolute truth, never knowing there is a more tangible reality behind them. They spend their lives never learning of the outside world and, therefore, by nature, instinctively reject any challenges to the status quo. Should they ever be presented with evidence that contradicts their worldview, they would not only refuse to accept this new information out of hand but would continue to regard the shadows as their one true god. They would double down on the dogma going so far as to swear their allegiance to the shadows and willing to defend their position to the death. They wouldn’t view the information as liberating nor regard those attempting to enlighten them as saviors, but instead, they would attack and kill any who dare challenge their perceptions.
Faced as we are now with unprecedented division, this thought experiment seems aptly relevant today. For those among us that recognize the more comprehensive reality, it’s not for us to drag the cave dwellers into the light. Doing so would only further blind them and ultimately sow more profound discord. The best we can do is lift the boulders one at a time, slowly introducing the idea of sunlight and letting their eyes adjust. Eventually, the idea of broader enlightenment will become as natural and sacrosanct as the shadows they once revered. They’ll learn to accept the greater reality and expand the scope of their universe, eventually encompassing a vast kaleidoscope of experiences and relegating shadow worship to mythology.
Mannino Acid 