Plato’s Cave

Plato’s Cave portrays the philosophers’ dilemma: the world is under delusion, they are the only ones who see it, and in trying to free others from delusion they are condemned for being crazy.

Similarly, most people have a hard time seeing the world as I do. Nobody understands why I became uninterested in prestige, material things, and even girls. I tried to explain to Wendy today as she was trying on a necklace:

I like Wendy’s necklace. It’s pretty nice. I’ve had necklaces in the past. They were nice too. But I like not wearing a necklace, too. I’m not repulsed by them; I might even get another one someday. But I don’t wonder when I’ll find another one, I don’t wonder if I’ll ever find the perfect necklace for me. They’re just…necklaces.

That’s basically the same way I feel about girls. They’re nice. One day I might want a girlfriend again. Or I might grow old, alone. That’s fine too. I’ve been alone. I’ve overcome that fear.

Most people can’t wrap it around their heads, this concept of being okay alone. I dealt with this in Seattle. I survived.

“What if you get sick and nobody is around to take care of you?” Then I die. It’s not like I’ll live forever. It’s not like she’ll live forever.

Extending my analogy, I feel the same way about my life. It’s nice to have money, shelter, friends, and family. But if they disappear, that’s cool too. I don’t mind living in a new place, free of my history. Or even dying. Everyone dies.

Instead of worrying about losing the things in my life, I choose to appreciate them, right now. I value every second I spend with my friends and family. I value every second I read. But I know that they will all disappear one day. So will I.

It’s lonely outside the cave.