Plato Knew Our Stories Shape Us
A philo paper for class:
"Therefore it is most important that the tales which the young first hear should be models of virtuous thoughts."
Plato is an idealist: he imagines what the potential of man is, and suggests what leaders do and embody. In his organismic system, each person has a role he proclaims - that we are all naturally suited to certain avenues; a just and fair society being responsible for planting the seeds that will help us unfold our creative drives. We act in the now, somewhat, but learn from the past. Oh the stories! It must not be left solely to the family to present role models, there ought be safety measures which ensure noteworthy historical figures are known and remembered. Those whom are our heroes, like those we try to aspire.
Any American would say with pride that Washington and Lincoln were great leaders, but how often have we been taught - why they were? Do we see the virtues that raised them up? Was this taught once, and assumed to be enough? The keys to their foundation, the principles that brought them success, may not be guarded, but you can bet they're not in a public display case. Why is that? Why aren't stirring anecdotes tossed about like tokens?
Well, let's examine the different grades of government: before cities, when a few hunter-gathers linked together into a group, they had no written rules or court for trial, just strength and the need to survive kept order. Let's admit it, this lack of government provided no official protection --- there were no procedures for settling disputes, no appointed authority figures who could organize collective efforts (i.e.: instruct, build, defend), and thus eventually, over time, they wrote down laws that represented their natural moral sentiments.
Why else is some centralized power beneficial? As its been said, more than an old joke at a county corner store, culture plays a large part in the refinement of character. The stories we hear influence us throughout our lives; we must see it before we can be it; what gets celebrated, gets done. Who are young students looking up to? For they will imitate them, as Plato said. Why not pull great examples from history, and have them before us, more often? Why does each person learn in a slightly different way, and have unique interests? Where do nature and nurture sit on the primordial scales? Questions like these deserve a consensus.
Bound by an oath to enact initiatives that further the growth and development of the citizens - the optimal government is driven by its ideals - to ensure justice, support productive work, and in short, promote Plato's 'Big Three' [The Good, The True, and The Beautiful].
Why are the stories we hear so important? They reinforce our values by displaying them - a sense of confirmation if you will. A child sees themselves as the hero in a story, and is filled with that thrill of adventure. They may not go off right then, but deep inside they will remember their little Hero's Journey - the trials faced and overcome, the acceptance of wisdom from a guide, and the eventual return home. Furthermore, these stories show the major archetypes repeated across time - they are innately part of us.
If there is one thing the philosophers most predominately agree on, it is this - how can we nourish integrity? When everyone has quiet honest hours with themselves, this lays behind their desire to do better. So closely linked to arête and rén it is - this seems to be the golden key to happiness.
The prime function of government in the modern age is to provide an education that strengthens its citizens. With the advent of the internet, no longer is the growth of thinkers restricted to only schools. The information is out there, what are we being fed? For apparently, a school aims to encourage and direct its students. With a passion, the sponges will receive stories, let's impart the best. There are so many tales that would inspire, that no list be comprehensive, yet myths and legends of heroic endeavor - poetical strains light and pastoral - sprinkled into the class with moderation, would cause sparks. An atmosphere of creativity is where our highest thrives. As if those gems lying in books, compiled, and presented to those curious minds would start floating in the air. I think we underestimate the potential of the young, they will rise to the level presented to them. More plays and puppet shows to provoke imagination, more visual learning materials such as brain maps, would add to this environment. What child wouldn't like to sing in the morning? a short ballad would catch on like wildfire.
The political views of Plato and Confucius are nearly the same in aim, to put those with merit in positions of influence, in order that the duties of the state are pursued by those who uplift. Most of the ills of mankind have stemmed from the misuse of this power, hence the fear. However, as those early hunter-gathers found out, the rights which government protect make it worth the risk. Look to Pericles in Greece, who organized the building of the Acropolis and Parthenon, to see the impact a leader can have.
Plato clearly emphasizes the importance of stories that portray certain virtues, but which ones does he favor? Justice, temperance, and courage. Although the central theme of the Republic is justice, he weaves all three of these in throughout the dialogue. That is why the ideal school would strive to have a balance of directing the spirit - while allowing one to follow their individual nature. Of evoking certain qualities which promote the community, while letting one see what it is they enjoy. For as Emerson says, "The two points in a boy’s training are, to keep his naturel and train off all but that." What excites us - education help us explore.
