The idea that all of humankind is completely in the dark or completely in the light on subjects is a little unerring. Socrates implies in the allegory that all people are either in the cave, subject to the shadow images, or out in the light, facing the truth. There really is no common ground, no synthesis in this matter. One is either in the presence of lies and falseness or completely enlightened, experiencing the true facts and figures of life. One can't be partway, with an understanding of both the deceit of the cave and the reality of the world. For one cannot believe that both deceit and truth are in fact truth, can he? Because if he believes that any of the lies are true, then all of the truth in his life may be lies as well.

The whole situation brings...