Characters from Platos’ Apology and Allegory of the Cave and Voltaire’s Story of a Good Brahmin will be compared and contrasted in this composition. In addition, a view into the attitudes of these characters reveals our pursuit and frustration while seeking truth. Ultimately, these stories provide an introspect to who we are individually and challenges within our society. The levels of interest, complexity, and diversity these stories afford are similar to good advise from a close friend. In short, much was learned from the musings of this composition, and I hope others encounter a similar revelations. Keywords: Plato, Socrates, Voltaire, philosophy, compare, contrast A good allegory is a precious gift. Voltaire and Plato present stories …show more content…
In the stories of The Good Brahmin, Apology, and Allegory of the Cave, are comparative and differentiating views that reach a culmination of introspect. In all, the contributions of Voltaire and Plato portray a rational and irrational consciousness of our being. Progressing ahead, we will see the significance of truth and wisdom while understanding burden, anguish, and responsibility that follows attitudes in philosophy. The significance of Socrates’ wisdom is similar to standing on the shoulders of giants and viewing a new attitude about philosophy. In light of Socrates’ teaching, stories such as Allegory of the Cave and Apology by Plato seem to parallel work authored by Voltaire. Voltaire’s The Good Brahmin is a metaphorical story about a Brahmin man sensing his life pursuit toward knowledge and wisdom has left him empty and burdensome. To illustrate, the Brahmin man states, “I teach others and myself am ignorant of everything” (Voltaire, n.d.). The confession of ignorance while in pursuit of wisdom is comparable to Socrates’ comments in the Apology. …show more content…
Peering into the life of the Brahmin man, Voltaire immediately notices the man’s ascension into a lifestyle that has granted him monetary reward, available time, and wisdom. Early in the Story of a Good Brahmin, the Brahmin man conveys his dissatisfaction toward 40 years of philosophical study. While sharing his grievances, the Brahmin states, “I wish I had never been born” (Voltaire, n.d.) due to disgust and anguish from the burden of accumulated knowledge. Furthermore, the Brahmin man’s desire for knowledge and wisdom over shadows a compromise for mediocrity, happiness, and ignorance. In disparity, Socrates inherently seeks truth and wisdom, even though it causes dissension among the people of Athens. The dissension among Athenians thrusts Socrates to fend from slanderous perpetrators while he negotiates for his life before a judicial court. Although Socrates was a man of philosophy, he had a modest lifestyle that supported a family. Moreover, the general philosophical attitude of Socrates is a devotion toward truth, wisdom, and family while the Brahmin’s mindset was burdensome, debilitating, and self gratification. The intersection for Voltaire’s The Good Brahmin and Plato’s Apology is in Allegory of the Cave. It is here two men develop differing attitudes toward philosophy. In short, isn’t it “(B)etter to be the poor servant of a poor master, and to endure anything,