When we think of philosophy, Plato’s name is one of the first that comes to our mind, and all for the right reasons. Plato, who died in 347 BC, is pretty much relevant today, and anybody who dares to delve into the world of philosophy starts with Plato and then sticks with him throughout the journey of questions, doubts, and endless pursuit of answers to those questions. As Whitehead famously said, “The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato.” Alfred North Whitehead, Process and Reality, p. 39 [Free Press, 1979]
In the following lines, we will ponder upon a statement by Plato from his masterpiece “Republic”.
“Bodily exercise, when compulsory, does no harm to the body; but knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.”
― Plato, The Republic (Book Vii)
The Knowledge that is gained under force provides nothing to the mind. Dull education only numbs the minds of the students. This numbing of minds has had a destructive effect on our society, and with each day, its impact is increasing. No wonder our society, even after producing thousands of Engineers, Doctors, and science graduates every year, still lacks “scientific thinking”. What then can be the reason for the lack of intellect and intellectuals in our society? Let us consult Plato for that.
At one place in the Republic, Plato says, “Then, my good friend, I said, do not use compulsion, but let early education be a sort of amusement; you will then be better able to find out the natural bent.”
First, let me say something about the latter part of the dialogue. It is a common trend in our society to force a career upon a student rather than letting them make their own way and find their “natural bent”. The knowledge in this due process is forced upon students, and they feel obligated to digest it all in. The natural bent becomes artificial, and the student merely studies under compulsion, which doesn’t nourish the student’s mind nor provoke thought or curiosity. The disregard for the Arts and social sciences in our society is a tragic tale. This collective disregard also limits the options for the “natural bent” of the student, and at last, they bend toward society’s approved fields, which are Engineering, Medical, or Commerce. In my opinion, this sort of natural bent should also be regarded as an artificial bent.
Freedom from forced and burdensome knowledge is only possible if we let “education be a sort of amusement,” especially as Plato mentions ‘early education’. Why? Because if education becomes a sort of amusement, the thirst for knowledge will increase in the student as well. Education will not be any more of a burdensome activity, but it’ll become a source of joy. Their curiosity will spark, and all sorts of new and mind-boggling questions will take birth in their minds. These minds will not be numb but active and full of curiosity, and they’ll be able to find their own “natural bent” but only if they’re not taught and trained under compulsion.
