The same goes in the opposite direction. If you have seen nothing but light your whole life, would it not do you good to dip down into the pit for a while. Plato, I believe is saying it will give you compassion for those who are hurting and whom have lived their entire lives in darkness." i mean they remain in the upper world: but this must not be allowed they must be made to descend again among the prisoners in the den"(759)
To be a good leader and to raise a group of citizens to be appreciative of culture, they must not be self taught. The goodness of light must step in and overcome even when the darkness abodes. " When you have acquired the habit, you will see ten thousand times better than the inhabitants of the den..." (760)
Plato is stating if you have a leader who has been through the darkness and light. He appreciates the good even more and has much more compassion than someone who ahd not such darkness. " you m us contrive for your future rulers and a better life than that of a ruler, and then you may have a well ordered state; for only in the state which offers this, will they rule who are truly rich not in silver and gold, but in virtue and wisdom, Which are the true blessing of life" (760)
In this day in age of me, me, me, this short reading was a breath of fresh air. Life is bigger than just you and your wants and desires. We should strive to give back to community and to our families, more than we ever received.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
