Introduction
People are different, and each has unique qualities, yet it seems common for many individuals to wish to be someone else. I aspire to become a finer person than I am now, and the proposals of such historical figures as Plato, Martin Luther King Jr., and Hegel can assist in determining how to enhance my character. In his Allegory of the Cave, Plato suggests how people perceive the world and discusses the matters of intelligence and education. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), in his The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life, concerns the essence of existence based on the concepts of length, height, and breadth. Georg Hegel’s dialectic of the master and the slave debates the relationship between the two and one’s conscious. By combining practical conclusions from MLK, Plato, and Hegel, I can construct a precise image of the self that I strive to become in order to make a difference in the world.
Anticipatory Perception: How to Make a Difference
One can argue that Hegel’s dialectic can be interpreted in many ways, whether viewing the master and the slave as two different persons or as two inner identities of a distinct individual. In the latter case, the enslaver would represent someone’s current character, which is rather unfavorable, and the captured would reflect the desired personality. Although many people wish to change and advance, the majority have certain features that prevent them from developing. Each individual’s internal master does not want the interior slave to obtain freedom and overshadow the one in power, thus leaving people with their negative qualities and unaccomplished desires. Consequently, the first aspect of the self I aspire to become is the ability to challenge myself not to live in conformity with such traits as laziness, impatience, or pessimistic thinking.
Furthermore, considering that Hegel’s master-slave controversy can be regarded as a connection between two separate individuals, the dialectic can signify how those in leading positions should and should not treat their disciples. Despite holding power, the enslaver depends on the servant’s existence and work, thus making the former dependent on the latter. Moreover, the enslaved has the freedom to recognize the master’s authority or deny it. Another characteristic of my desired self is the ability to lead people, and although I am not trying to compare my possible followers to those in captivity, Hegel’s dialectic suggests how I should direct. I understand that individuals to whom I may be superior are important and have the power to acknowledge my management and perform according to whether they accept me or not. Therefore, I strive to be a leader who has trustworthy and respectful relationships with subordinates.
While Hegel presents the perceptions of the master and the slave, Plato proposes how the world is viewed by those who come out of the dark cave to see sunlight for the first time. The philosopher states that people who live in the darkness see nothing but shadows and compares a person’s journey out of the cage to the ascent toward intelligence. Plato implies that such a climb is not easy, as the process of evolving can be painful, and one is likely to be inclined to return to what is familiar. However, Plato suggests that each soul has the capacity to learn, but education should be gradual. Accordingly, another aspect of the self I wish to become is remembering that knowledge reveals new perspectives, so I must always endeavor to obtain information about the world in order to evolve.
As I aspire to make a difference, I anticipate that my efforts may impact a considerable number of people. Therefore, the desire to seek intelligence can hopefully benefit me and those around me. Nonetheless, Plato proposes that individuals who have ascended to see the sun must eventually return to the cave and share labors and honors with persons who remain in the darkness. Someone with education and authority must spread happiness to all people rather than concentrating on making one group happier than the rest. Plato proclaims that everyone must benefit from each other and that society must prosper as a unit. Thus, instead of separating from the masses, those who have power should join the public in overcoming struggles. Accordingly, I wish to be a person who helps others succeed by connecting people and guiding them towards advancement.
Out of the three aforementioned historical figures, Martin Luther King Jr. suggests what actions one should take to evolve into a better version of themselves. In particular, MLK states that the concept of length represents an individual’s healthy and rational self-interest that concerns the development of one’s inner powers. MLK proposes that people must accept who they are, their strengths, and their weaknesses to beneficially utilize every quality. Consequently, those who acknowledge their personalities can discover their purposes and begin striving for finer results by learning that all labor, whether influential or not, has dignity. Accordingly, I aspire to know and remember who I am and what my objectives are to move forward during difficult times. I suppose that the longing to accept myself may seem contradictory to the above discussion of challenging myself. However, I wish to be able to recognize my potencies and shortcomings, so I can employ the former and contain the latter from preventing the pursuit of my goals.
Someone who acknowledges their identity becomes capable of caring for others. In addition to length, MLK presents the concept of breadth that reflects one’s concern for the welfare of humanity. MLK states that people must help each other as everyone is connected, and if an individual has something, it is because someone else has provided it. Therefore, when making a decision, a person must think of what would happen to those around them as a result of that choice. Thus, another aspect of the self I strive to become is being mindful and considering how my behavior and actions may affect people.
In his sermon, MLK claims that the concept of height is associated with the belief in God. MLK suggests that regardless of being religious or not, people often forget about the presence of God due to being too involved in such materialistic things as having a beautiful house or a car. Accordingly, such individuals are likely to be concerned with their comfort rather than regarding diverse aspects of perceiving the world. I wish to be a person who can truly enjoy life by being interested in something above mere material possessions.
Conclusion
To summarize, the analysis of the discussions of MLK, Plato, and Hegel helped me formulate who I should aspire to become to make a difference. In the future, I imagine myself pursuing a precise goal due to knowing and accepting my strengths and weaknesses. I hope that I will be capable of utilizing my potencies and challenging my inner master responsible for my shortcomings. I anticipate that my actions will place me in a leading position, and as a superior, I will strive to be trustworthy and respectful of my followers. I wish to remain mindful of those around me and remember my interdependence with them. The self I desire to become is an educated and conscious individual who joins society in opposing hardships and acts on behalf of all people.