Modern Myth of the Cave
Art, Shadows, and the Fight to Stay Free — A Myth for Modern Artists
My dad always said, “Jerod, most people miss the point of Plato.”
Here’s the most basic outline of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave:
Prisoners are chained in a dark cave, only able to see shadows cast on a wall. One escapes and discovers the real world outside, filled with light, truth, and depth. When he returns to free the others, they resist, preferring the familiar shadows.
“Unfortunately, Jerod,” Dad would add, “most people who leave the cave come back in and want to control the shadows on the wall.”
His words ring true every time I post my art in this Social Media Age.
Artists today are captured by the system. We’re told to make good “content,” to go viral. We’re caught in how we share our art, not just how we make it.
So what is an artist to do?
After listening to Dad, I think the answer is simple. Ask yourself:
“Is what I’m creating casting shadows—or bringing people into the light?”
About the Author
Jerod Wessler is a singer-songwriter, author, and creator exploring the intersection of art, healing, and truth. His latest album Open Road, Broken Hallelujah and his new book My Daily Gratitude are both out now.
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