It is amazing how one can interpret something learned in high school or college so differently once they have actually lived life.
For instance, when I was a student, I remember learning about great philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, but I don’t recall really internalizing their perspectives. Perhaps my lackadaisical attitude was because I was like most other teens who were concerned about other, more important things such as prom, fashion, or hanging with friends. Or perhaps I simply did not over-analyze things like I’m so guilty of doing in my adult life.
Over the years, however, I have become more empathic and analytical so I think differently, which leads to a lot of “ah ha” moments.
A recent “ah ha” moment of mine was when I randomly thought of Plato’s theory and how it makes complete sense in this modern world we’re now living in.
Some 2,300 years ago Plato said that the most fair and just society was also the happiest society. In other words when things are more equal (money, opportunities, etc.), people are happier.
This Plato guy really was a genius of sorts, right?
While reflecting on Plato’s philosophy, I related it to today’s world – specifically in the United States. I thought about the upsurge in crime, depression and drug use. Then I thought of the triggers that led to those upsurges.
See where I’m going with this?
It did not surprise me that many of those triggers could probably be traced back to some form of unfavorable division or inequity. It is important to note that some crimes, depression and drug usage occurs simply because people make the wrong choices in life and the blame can’t be placed on anyone’s shoulders except their own. However, in some instances, gaps and disparities could have been the underlining culprit.
OK…back to my Plato soapbox.
It seems like Copenhagen, Denmark, proves Plato’s theory. Data show that Denmark has one of the lowest income inequity ratios in the world. If you are as big of an Oprah fan as I am you might remember that the media goddess visited Copenhagen to find out why its people are ranked amongst the happiest on Earth.
Plato’s theory is substantiated. Danes are so happy because their society is fair, thus making inequities and discrimination less of a concern.
Shouldn’t America strive to be more like the Danish? It certainly couldn’t hurt things.
Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam recently conducted research that shows the growing division of American society. His research looked at opportunity disparities amongst children. Putnam’s goal was to help us better understand what America will look like in the not too distant future.
In short, his research showed that we will be more divided than ever – largely in part because of the opportunities, or lack thereof for America’s youth.
Putnam examined the parenting characteristics/techniques of college-educated parents compared to those who were high school-educated. The kids who had college-educated parents were nearly twice as likely to play after school sports, and be captains of their sports teams. They were also more likely to participate in activities outside of sports such as scouting, yearbook and theater. College-educated parents also spent more time with their children, with the largest time investment occurring in the first three years of their child’s life, which data show are the most important formative years. Since college-educated parents tend to earn higher salaries than their high school-educated counterparts, they also invested more money in their kids’ enrichment efforts such as tutors and extra curricular activities. Over the past four decades, college-educated parents increased this amount by $5,300 a year while the high school educated parents only increased their investment by $480. That $480 was actually adjusted for inflation so it would be safe to say that high school-educated parents’ financial investment in their children’s enrichment opportunities has remained the same over the last 40 years.
Putnam’s research conclusion is interesting, but not shocking.
If America adapted Plato’s theory and made things fairer – examples would be making college affordable for all and everyone being granted the opportunity to have quality and affordable health care – then the opportunity gaps that currently exist for our youth would actually be nonfactors.
By the way, Aristotle, a student of Plato believed that the happiest society would be one that had very small numbers of rich and poor, yet a strong middle class. It seems both Plato and Aristotle were right on target.
There’s something to be said about applying a good history lesson in today’s society.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
