THE PHILOSOPHER: Plato, Seeking Wisdom

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." -Plato

One of the most influencial thinkers in the history of academia, Plato embodied the archetype of the philosopher. His writings delved into issues around politics, mathematics, metaphysics, ethics and the authenticity of knowledge itself. Though Plato was not the first philosopher, his interpretation of philosophy’s purpose and method is still used today. Plato viewed philosophy as a process of constant questioning. Nearly everything he wrote takes the form of a dialogue, a give and take of information and ideas. It is important that you don’t take his words as doctrine, so he confounds you with unsolved puzzles and contradictions. The philosopher challenges all dogma, be it political, religious or social. There is never a time to take an imposed ideology for granted. The difficult part is questioning your own beliefs, and what you observe with your outer senses. Plato encouraged deep inquiry into the seemingly insignificant, using more than the physical senses to search for the animating force in the smallest things. He envisioned the atom long before it was discovered by science. Plato proposed the idea that matter is made from numerous imperceptible components indivisible in and of themselves, nearly two-thousand years before the microscope was invented. Plato released his reliance on his eyes, ears and intellect in order to penetrate the density of matter and see with what he called the soul. He perceived the soul as pure and rational, much like geometry, which in his view was a key to understanding the universe. Plato believed that the five Platonic solids formed the elements that create life: earth, air, fire, water and ether. These shapes are found throughout nature. When you look deeply enough to see them, the world expands in miraculous ways. Liberate yourself with an original thought, and question that thought in its turn. Be confident in your ability to ask a question without relying on an answer for validation. You are more than what you know. You are pure and rational. The more you ask, the more you learn, the more you wonder.

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These prints are made with care in the USA using sustainable bamboo paper and eco-friendly dye-based inks. I've chosen these inks because they look amazing and leave a gentler footprint. Because of this, they are not 100% archival and will fade slowly over a long period of time. To ensure the vibrancy of color lasts as long as possible, it is recommended that you display your artwork out of direct sunlight. Please keep your print dry and frame it soon. xo