21.5: Interlude 21: Prolationem

Philosophy poses questions that are meant to provoke thought and discussion. The intent is for the mind to form a truth. When a philosopher makes a statement, do people see the underlying intentions, or does the quote ring true in some way, shape, or form that is felt in the heart more than the mind?

The Quote

"Ignorance is the root and stem of all evil." – Plato

My Thoughts

I like this quote because it implies more than you would expect. I find it interesting that Plato included the stem and the root; the stem supports the leaves and blooms, and is a vital component of what allows the entire concept of evil to prosper.

A lack of knowledge or information (ignorance) is how we naturally enter the world, guided and protected by inquisitiveness as we grow. When we become adults, most people lose that innate curiosity in favor of familiarity or perfection, leading to some places, people, things, topics, and ideas being misunderstood, absent, or demonized.

What makes me smile is that an individual will never know enough to be ignorant of something. There is a solution that is rarely mentioned because it is one of the most difficult things for people to do, and that is trust. Trust is how we ward off the evil within: trust is a light on its own spectrum that can see you through the darkest of places, and trust is the most painful thing when it is betrayed. Until next time, I am Nolan… Ex Tenebris.