In my opinion “The Allegory of the Cave” represents humankind’s ignorance to accept new ideas and listen to the truth. When the man returned to the cave, his fellows were unwilling to leave the cave and ostracized him for being different. When he told stories of the world above they mocked him for his foolishness and threatened barbaric violence as a preventative measure instead of the power of the mind. This can relate to the way the theory of evolution was received in the Bible belt. Instead of being calmly discussed it was violently protested and ended up being allowed to be taught according to the “Monkey Trial” They claimed that teaching this theory to children would ruin their minds and fill them with blasphemy, much like the way Socrates was received in his time. They also failed to use logic saying that the theory of evolution was Un-American because it went against the teachings of the church. However not only is the church’s official stance pro evolution, but the American Charter of Rights declares the separation of church and state. People have grown to accept religion as part of their lives, however like Rene Descartes says “I doubt, therefore I am”. If everything is supposed to be doubted why is it people can not question religion or even accept that which may be controversial. When something comes that may make people feel awkward everyone automatically becomes hostile and refuses to take the matter seriously.

Please refer to “The Allegory of the Cave” by Plato