Light and darkness

One of the best allegories ever written is still the one by Plato, usually called The Cave. In the cave are people bound by chains, unable to see anything real.  The only images they see are shadows flickered on the cave wall by a fire.  Gradually, one person in particular finally frees himself from the cave to see real objects in real sunlight.

It's a great analogy of the trip from darkness of understanding to enlightenment.  It is my wish that everyone this year will take such a journey, either by starting or finishing one or by taking one more step toward the light.  We all have talents to bestow on people and to leave as our mark on the world. I am hoping someone will share with me as I share with others.

One last note about The Cave.  At the end of the allegory, the person who broke out of the cave and came to englightenment felt the need to return to the depths of the cave in order to share his experience above ground.  Those in the cave wouldn't listen to him, of course.  And, in fact, convinced the man that he lived under an illusion while on the surface.

I hope that is not true with anyone who sees the light and shares her or his insights with the rest of us. Light pierces darkness and darkness can never extinguish light.  This I truly believe.  Have a great next year!