Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” uses a set of people chained to the wall of a cave that face a blank wall to deliver his feelings about nature and education. The people see shadows along the cave wall and try to understand what these forms actually are. Plato is using the shadows as the closest concept that these people will get to experiencing reality and gain knowledge.

It seems that these people are facing an extreme environment and way of life in order for Plato to explain what reality is all about. I feel the Allegory is similar to how a children’s family environment and upbringing here in the good old USA, impacts the child’s economic place and opportunities in our society. Kids don’t face the extreme situation of growing up in an actual cave, however some kids are raised in a sheltered cavelike environment. Some parents aren’t supportive and don’t have the finances to provide opportunities for their kids. Quite often it can be very difficult for a kid to rise above limited opportunities, and really build a life for themselves.

Kids I know from high school and college have been raised from what I’d call a “stable” home environment. Their parents have been pretty supportive over the years and these kids have been provided very solid opportunities. Most kids I know are very driven to succeed. I plan to keep working on my path in life and let people know what I’m all about by experiencing things with people and by just being me. Plato was just being himself as well even though he felt he had to enforce a difficult and usual lifestyle to deliver his message.