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Dreams Quote by Plato

“Any one who has common sense will remember that the bewilderments of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye; and he who remembers this when he sees…” quote by Plato
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““Any one who has common sense will remember that the bewilderments of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye; and he who remembers this when he sees any one whose vision is perplexed and weak, will not be too ready to laugh; he will first ask whether that soul of man has come out of the brighter life, and is unable to see because unaccustomed to the dark, or having turned from dakness to the day is dazzled by excess of light. And he will count the one happy in his condition and state of being, and he will pity the other; or, if he have a mind to laugh at the soul which comes from below into the light, there will be more reason in this than in the laugh which greets him who returns from above out of the light into the den. (Included in the introduction to "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes)””

Plato

About This Quote

Source Book: Flowers for Algernon (Introduction) by Daniel Keyes, 1966

Vision can be confused by sudden changes in light, mirroring how minds struggle with abrupt shifts in understanding.

In simple terms: Sudden light changes confuse both eyes and minds.

Key Takeaway

Adapt gradually to new perspectives.

Themes

perception knowledge change humility empathy

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive calm

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • psychology
  • personal growth
  • career transitions
  • spiritual awakening

Key Concepts

philosophy of mind cognitive adaptation epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you help others adjust to new insights?
  • When is it wise to pause before reacting?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on metaphor may obscure practical advice.

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