Plato’s Thoughts on Art and How Society Has Rendered Them Useless
Over two thousand years ago, ancient Greek philosopher Plato theorized that there were four possible activities of the mind. The first is thinking in forms, which includes intuition, knowledge, and the act of contemplative thought. The second is thinking in mathematical forms or discursive reasoning, solving a math problem for example. These two activities of the mind are considered good by Plato; he believed knowledge was of paramount importance to a person. Things such as art and using your imagination were rendered worthless by him. They are simply mimesis (an imitation of reality); they don’t involve the truth.
Graphic by Emily Koch
Plato theorized the other two activities of the mind can only hurt a person. The third type of thinking; sensible objects; revolves around opinions, beliefs, and interpretation. The last is called image, which involves using your imagination or daydreaming. For Plato, this was the absolute worst thing a person could do with their mind.
While it is a straightforward theory, it’s complicated to form an opinion on, as it covers every single thing a person could be thinking. While one may be quick to say that creativity and using your imagination is important, would they be willing to also contend that knowledge is not? Surely many would agree that knowledge is extremely important and healthy for us all. So what; is there just no fun in life, is it not worth it to express yourself? Should we all put down our stencils and paint brushes, our scripts and cameras, and pick up a textbook? Should we stop spending hours looking for clothing online and seeing what Frank Ocean was wearing at the Met Gala this year? What about our precious Carhartt double-knee work pants? The amount of time I spent shopping for those Plato would certainly consider a waste. Or Really Mag? A magazine centered around youth-oriented fashion and lifestyle would be worth nothing in this black-and-white society. Now, more than ever, people are exploring their imagination and creating art. People who twenty years ago would've been too afraid to pursue their dreams are now giving up everything to try to carry out their artistic passion as a career. People who had previously never valued clothing or their appearance are now curating their very own sense of style. And it’s not because society enjoys wasting their time. It’s because Plato’s wrong.
Creativity is so much more than just some mind game that humans use when we’re bored. It’s a way of expression. It’s a way to have fun. It’s a way to teach, to spark change, to make yourself and those around you better. What Plato fails to acknowledge is how much art and creativity can do for society. Maya Angelou, Norman Rockwell, and Spike Lee are just a few names in a massive group of artists that successfully used their craft to fundamentally change society for the better. It doesn’t have to be as big as changing society as a whole. Musical artists such as Lil Peep and Billie Eilish are known for helping people through depression and the rough parts of life.
And what about just having fun? What about pursuing a passion or interest of yours? There isn’t really anything wrong with that. So put on a $not album and go on the Carhartt website and order a pair of double knees. Spend hours and hours creating art that you’re proud of and use legitimate passion to make. Put it out into the world and show everyone what you’re capable of. Because even if some people might think it’s stupid and useless, someone’s bound to look at it and love it.