Spirituality is one of the most fundamental aspects that separates humans from other animals. The belief in a higher power correlates to more complex thinking and a deeper consciousness. The human being is a complicated organism with a unique psyche and spirit. When we experience suffering, we look for answers as to why and how we can rectify the wrongs. This could be an attempt to place the blame on something or someone else while also yearning for redemption. The various religions and spiritual teachers throughout history have tried to explain the human being, the afterlife, and happiness. They also attempt to explain suffering and how to be the best human possible. Plato, the Buddha, and Jesus were controversial teachers who had an enormous
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The values such as glory, vengeance, pride, and violence sharply contrasted Plato’s teachings and set him apart from the rest of society. He presented his teachings through dialogue, and used a conversation to argue his conflicting values of truth, good, and beauty. Plato was a philosopher who theorized that each individual was unique and has his or her own relative values. A person cannot “be expected to show any gratitude for a culture which they have never received” (Plato 443). He also introduces a dual reality where the physical and comprehensible worlds exist simultaneously. In The Allegory of the Cave, Plato contends that there is a lower and higher level of understanding. We have the capacity to transcend the lower level of understanding and seek the truth only if we escape the darkness. However, humans are often confused of their own limitations to seeking eternal truth. Additionally, Plato believes that ignorance is the greatest evil, and in order to be morally good, one must obtain a clear knowledge of the world. He explains how he “would rather suffer anything than entertain these false notions and live in this miserable manner;” in the darkness (Plato 440). Socrates, in Plato’s words, was pure and wise because he admitted his own ignorance. Despite this, Plato knows that humans are bound to do wrong and instead presents philosophy as a way to improve a person’s life. It is up …show more content…
All three contend that love is an important component to life, but Plato and the Buddha believe self love is of greater importance, while Jesus believes in the love of others. Also, each teacher explains their own definition of truth. Plato believes the truth is knowledge of the world, the Buddha believes the truth is in acknowledging suffering, and Jesus believes the truth is in God. What all of these figures have in common is that no harm should be done to others and that one should have strong morals for themselves to live by. Their teachings are still studied and scrutinized today because of their tremendous impact. These controversial teachers have changed their society and history by preaching what they believe
The values such as glory, vengeance, pride, and violence sharply contrasted Plato’s teachings and set him apart from the rest of society. He presented his teachings through dialogue, and used a conversation to argue his conflicting values of truth, good, and beauty. Plato was a philosopher who theorized that each individual was unique and has his or her own relative values. A person cannot “be expected to show any gratitude for a culture which they have never received” (Plato 443). He also introduces a dual reality where the physical and comprehensible worlds exist simultaneously. In The Allegory of the Cave, Plato contends that there is a lower and higher level of understanding. We have the capacity to transcend the lower level of understanding and seek the truth only if we escape the darkness. However, humans are often confused of their own limitations to seeking eternal truth. Additionally, Plato believes that ignorance is the greatest evil, and in order to be morally good, one must obtain a clear knowledge of the world. He explains how he “would rather suffer anything than entertain these false notions and live in this miserable manner;” in the darkness (Plato 440). Socrates, in Plato’s words, was pure and wise because he admitted his own ignorance. Despite this, Plato knows that humans are bound to do wrong and instead presents philosophy as a way to improve a person’s life. It is up …show more content…
All three contend that love is an important component to life, but Plato and the Buddha believe self love is of greater importance, while Jesus believes in the love of others. Also, each teacher explains their own definition of truth. Plato believes the truth is knowledge of the world, the Buddha believes the truth is in acknowledging suffering, and Jesus believes the truth is in God. What all of these figures have in common is that no harm should be done to others and that one should have strong morals for themselves to live by. Their teachings are still studied and scrutinized today because of their tremendous impact. These controversial teachers have changed their society and history by preaching what they believe