Hidden Structure in Plato

[Meem]

I'm just a stupid guy, but I promise there is more going on in his Republic.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=128288987

[labelwench]

It has ever been dangerous to be too outspoken when one's thoughts stray far from the 'acceptable' of the society of one's time. In the past, and even in some countries today, one may be abused and persecuted for one's beliefs, and sexual orientation is one example that even much of society today is not yet comfortable with, and for which many persons have been humiliated and/or physically abused.

In the case of critical thinking or speech, one can lose the respect of their peers and/or any financial consideration or professional advancement if one does not support the current trends in the thinking and research in any particular branch of the sciences.

The luxury of 'speaking one's mind' is not an avenue available to all, as one would make their way in this world without fear of reprisal or challenges beyond those that may befall any of us.

Fortunately, we may advance our own thoughts through personal study and as we harm none, there is an increasing awareness of the value of 'original thinkers'.

This is not yet the case everywhere, and was certainly not so in Plato's time, and so the surmise that he encoded some of his work, with a purpose, in expectation that only similar thinkers would untangle the riddle.