Plato ponders “Isn't it quite necessary for us to agree that the very same forms and dispositions

as are in the city are in each of us?” Being an ancient philosopher, Plato had an idea

about how a perfect society should be organized. He believed that this ideal society should have

three main groups of people: philosophers aka the teachers, guardians aka the protectors,

and laborers aka the workers. Philosophers are the wise and knowledgeable

individuals who should lead society. They are freed from the responsibilities of protecting the

state and producing goods because they are focused on understanding deep ideas and truths. The

Guardians’ primary job is to protect society. They don't need to worry about making things or money;

their duty is to keep everyone safe. Laborers are responsible for producing goods and resources.

Unlike the philosophers and guardians, they don't make decisions about the direction of society;

they focus on providing for everyone's needs. Of course in reality this is simply allegorical,

as humans are too nuanced and individual to be placed perfectly into one of these three

societal groups, nor does anyone have a right to categorise another human being in this way.

Indeed, Plato also believed that these three groups corresponded to different aspects of

a person's soul. Philosophers represent wisdom in a person, Guardians represent their bravery,

and Laborers, their self-restraint. So, just as these qualities come together to form

Plato’s version of an ideal society, they also form an ideal person. This

idea may seem philosophical, but it has practical implications for our real lives.

Plato suggested that these virtues can be seen as stages of personal growth

Self-Restraint and Satisfaction: At first, we focus on meeting our

basic needs and striving for wellbeing. Limiting Material Pursuits: We eventually

realize that chasing after material wealth endlessly can be harmful, and we start seeking

fulfillment beyond material possessions. Taking Care of Others: As we mature,

we begin to care for others, like pets, children, or aging parents. This stage teaches us love

and care but often remains task-oriented rather than understanding a higher purpose.

Real Wisdom and Love: The final stage involves achieving true wisdom and love, where we see the

world not as a place to possess things but as a space filled with subjects to love and cherish.

Plato believed that this process of personal development is innate in our nature and aligns

with our experiences. It's about learning to see the world in a deeper and more meaningful way.

In practical terms, this means that our main goal in life is to allow our inner potential to unfold

and develop fully, just as an ideal society should operate at its best. This development involves

moving from pursuing material wealth to caring for others and ultimately reaching a state of

wisdom and love where we see the world in a profoundly different and more loving way.

4. Establish the power of your intellect According to Plato “In truth, this Cosmos

in its origin was generated as a compound, from the combination of Necessity and Reason.”

Our lives are filled with things that happen naturally, and many times, these things are beyond

our control or even understanding. Sometimes, these uncontrollable events can cause physical

suffering, like illnesses, or emotional suffering when something hurts our inner peace. Now,

even if we can organize our thoughts and find a logical meaning in our lives, what do we do

with these irrational, uncontrollable things that can unexpectedly disrupt our plans? How do

we handle having a strong desire for something meaningful, when an unexpected disaster comes

along? Plato wrote something interesting in a complex dialogue called "Timaeus," which

talks about how the universe was created. While some of the ideas about gods in this

text might seem a bit old-fashioned, there's an interesting part where it says that the universe

was created by a combination of "Necessity" and "Reason." Reason persuaded Necessity to

create the universe in the best way possible. We can apply this idea to our own lives. Just

like in the cosmos, our lives are also a mix of Necessity, the things we can't control and Reason,

which is our ability to think and make decisions. But how does this apply to our personal lives?

How can we use this concept? Imagine you're in a job that you don't enjoy, but you feel trapped

because it pays the bills, and you have family responsibilities. This situation represents the

"Necessity" part of your life – the things you can't control, like financial obligations and

family needs. Applying reason in this context, means considering your career choices and

personal happiness against your obligations and responsibilities. To begin this journey,

start by identifying the aspects of your career and life that you can control. These might

include your skills, education, networking, and the effort you put into exploring new

opportunities. Then define clear and achievable career goals that align with your interests

and values. For example, if you've always been passionate about a different field, set a goal

to acquire the necessary skills or education. But critically, understand that change takes time.

Transitioning to a more fulfilling career requires patience and strategic planning. Acknowledge that

meaningful change cannot be instantaneous. If possible, plan a gradual transition to minimize

the impact on your financial stability. Perhaps you can dedicate evenings or weekends to acquiring

new skills. And Be prepared for setbacks along the way. Rejections and challenges are part of life's

"Necessity" aspect, but your "Reason" will be your guiding force, motivating you to persevere.

Importantly: Do not go through this transformation alone. Seek support from people who’ve trodden a

similar path or turned to mentors for guidance. Their experiences can offer both practical advice

and emotional encouragement. Throughout this process, keep your long-term purpose and meaning

in life at the forefront. This could be your passion for a specific career or your desire

for a more fulfilling job. Allow this ultimate purpose to steer your decisions and actions. By

applying these steps, you are using your Reason to navigate the mix of Necessity and Reason in

your career choices. Over time, you can transition towards a more meaningful and satisfying career,

balancing the uncontrollable elements with your rational decision-making.

This approach helps you make the best of what life presents, even when faced with challenges.