Allegory of the Cave - Good advice for the Web Designer

What does it describe?

In Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” Plato seems to be referring to truth and the reliability of our own perceptions in regard to leading a shallow life versus leading an enlightened life. The concept of the allegory itself is very enlightening and is something that everyone should look at. It shows how different paradigms can lead to different lifestyles.

Explanation of the picture

Those leading a shallow life in this allegory are the prisoners who must sit and watch shadows pass by on the walls… shadows of puppets… shadows that define their perception of life. These prisoners live in ignorance with their idea of reality being simplistic shadows cast upon walls, but they know nothing else. Is it wrong that their perception of life is different than those who have been let out of the cave? That all depends on whether or not you think ignorance is bliss. By living in ignorance and leading a shallow life these prisoners don’t know what they’re missing out on in the world above; the shadows are all they know. They may have a superficial glimpse of the world, but they may be happy in their shallow mindset.

Whoa, what? A Bit of Analysis.

Although ignorance may be bliss, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” suggests that there is a deeper form of bliss and happiness once you find your way out of the cave and ascend into the sunlight. However, only a few individuals will ever escape the cave since it takes such persistence and defiance to do so. Once you are exposed to the world beyond the shadows, you can explore different ideologies, be placed in different situations, and have a shift in your paradigm. This transformation is suggested to produce a person of high substance – one with the “mystical awareness of Goodness as the origin of everything that exists.” These people are destined to be leaders in society, the only problem is that those underground will not understand what these enlightened leaders propose.

(1) Relates - Our Society

This is similar to our society, and reminds me of one of my favourite quotes by Jonathan Swift: “When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign: that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.” This seems to be a constant pattern in our society. When Barack Obama first began his presidential campaign in the United States of America, the majority of the southern states were against having an African American as president. In the American Civil War, the southern states were against the northern states in a fight over abolition of slavery. Although the northern states were victorious, the southern states are still known to be racist to this very day. Abraham Lincoln, the Republican Party leader during the Civil War, was one of the main political leaders to first campaign against the expansion of slavery, going against the grain of half the American society! Lincoln was one of the people who escaped the cave, and spread his enlightenment with a whole country.

(2) Relates - In Literature - Harry Potter? Really?

Not only in societal instances is Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” shown, but also in literature. In the Harry Potter series, we are introduced to the Muggle World and the Wizarding World. The Muggle World consists of non-magical people (muggles) and is in coexistence with the Wizarding World with few muggles knowing about the existence of this other world. The muggles live in oblivion and seem to like it – however the wizards who live in oblivion, such as Harry Potter, until they are of “legal age” to attend magic school, are frustrated. Harry doesn’t find out he is a wizard until age 11, and lives a terrible life in the Muggle World until he is enlightened by this knowledge. Once in the Wizarding World, Harry can live to his full potential and prove himself as an intelligent and daring wizard. Before this, Harry was living among those in oblivion, those in the cave, too ignorant to see the potential right above them.

(3) Relates - in Web Design!

This allegory can be applied to web design as well - especially when thinking of new design ideas. Think outside the box, don't let those blinders stop you from seeing a design's true potential or your designing potential.

How Sweet it is to Have Experience...

Today I was doing a bit of thinking on how valuable experience is... being 15 years old and just starting up my company, Raptia, had me questioning it. Why do you need experience? How much is it worth? How do you get it?

These questions are pretty basic, but experience isn't a tangible item. Experience is engraved in your soul, embossed in your reputation, and imprinted onto your clients. Today we'll quickly explore the possibilities to the questions above.

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Let's test this out...

Leo Lion is the CEO of a 40 year old company, Roaring Trucks Inc. Joe Blow just started up his business, Air Pumped Rides, one month ago. Then there's Johnny Apple, President of Concrete R' Us, who is looking for someone to contract work to...

Mr. Lion and Mr. Blow both give Johnny Apple, President of Concrete R Us, a proposal to do the work for $600,000. Who is going to get the job?

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How Valuable is Experience?

The value of experience there is the value of gaining a new client. The $600,000 plus the value of adding them to your network, plus their network, plus any future work you may do for them.

Why Do You Need Experience?

Simple... to gain clients. There are other ways of gaining clients, but most successful ways involve experience. Or the appearance of experience, getting your name out there.... if I've learned one thing, it's been that networking is crucial. My business mentor has pounded that into my head, it's CRUCIAL! From my statistics, I end up with a successful deal most often through referrals than anything else, so my network has proven useful so far.

How Do You Get Experience?

You need to get out there and do something! Something being related to the kind of experience you'd like to build up of course.. but something!! People don't earn millions by sitting around twiddling their thumbs all day, not that I know of at least...

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Even if you go do a triathlon, set up a booth in a tradeshow, sponsor a charity event... you need to do these two things:

1. Get your name out there - when people constantly see or hear your name, they will react.

2. Get References - do some jobs and get references, these are crucial to gaining clients. ESPECIALLY in the business I'm in - a portfolio of works is a MUST!

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Experience can make or break you (CAN...not will, c-a-n), but you have to earn it! Put that blood, sweat 'n tears into your work and it will show.

How did you gain experience in your field of work? Upcoming posts will focus on post-secondary education & why it's necessary in today's society...

~Jordyn

PS. Raptia now has it's Online Store up 'n running! Check it out!

5 Tips to Keeping that Mind & Body Healthy

Now that’s a challenge, keeping both your mind and body oiled and ready to go. There are so many different daily factors that determine our mood, our weight…our vision of ourselves! We have to keep this body of ours running smoothly, exercise and a healthy mind go hand in hand.

5 Tips to a Healthy Mind & Body

. 1. Eat Healthy Foods – wait, what are healthy foods again?

There must be a broken record saying this over and over again somewhere, because that’s all I hear when I ask about staying healthy. “Eat healthy foods”, “nutrients nutrients and more nutrients!”

Well, yeah it’s true, but what are healthy foods? There are many of ‘em. If they are nutrient dense, whole foods, familiar foods, readily available, affordable, and taste good, then they are good for you.

2. Sleep is Vital!

This is so true – and I know from personal experience. When it’s school time and I get maybe 5 hours of sleep at night, my body doesn’t function properly. Most adults require about 7 to 8 hours a night, teens need about 9 hours, and infants require about 16 a day (those lucky kids) J. If you think you aren’t getting enough sleep, make your bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every night until you feel completely rested in the morning. Sleep deprivation can cause memory problems, depression, increase in perception of pain, and it weakens your immune system. Get to bed!

3. Exercise It.

Your body and mind!
Body: Do it daily. I’ve tried many exercise regimens, and the only one that I’ve ever stuck to (and still do) is a daily workout. Consistency is key in developing an exercise regimen, so go to the gym for an hour a day, go for a walk every night after work, do something!

Mind: There are many tips on exercising your mind, here are a few I’ve gathered over time:

1. Read often , and read different types of content (magazines, newspapers, novels, articles, blogs)

2. Memorize your grocery list

3. Meditate often – take calm, deep breaths.

4. Do puzzles and games – Scrabble, Soduko…

5. Learn to read and play music – look up a youtube video on how to play “how to save a life” on piano

6. Dictionary.com’s Word of the Day

7. Draw or paint

8. Do not avoid breakfast!

4. Laugh Often & Keep Positive

Look for the positive side in every situation, challenge yourself to laugh at the silly things we get angry about. Your paradigm of the world changes your paradigm of yourself and how you feel.

5. Do not Stifle your Emotions

Your poor body! Don’t keep your emotions bottled up inside, express them healthfully! Talk to a dear friend, confide in your parents, your siblings, your spouse. Write poetry (this is the method I use), it really helps you express yourself and it exercises your mind at the same time!

Now, can you remember all that? J Let me know your thoughts. What are some ways you use to keep your mind & body healthy?

Use our blog as a reference to staying healthy, and keep reading! We have lots of cool topics coming up.

Over n’ out,

~The Raptia Team

www.raptia.com

5 Quick Tips on Blog Writing

Okay, so before I write this post, you must be informed that this is not the first blog I've ever written. Blogger is like a sister to me, I know her quite well.

Now, onto the important stuff...

Your 5 Quick Blog Writing Tips to a more effective post:

1. Title it Properly

Be clear about what your going to talk about! If the title says "10 Tips on Designing Better Logos", that's what we want to read about, not your latest marathon run.

*Don't be like Fall Out Boy when you're naming your posts, keep 'em relatively short*

2. Write Less

Give your readers as much information as you can with the least amount of words. People are busy, busy are people... most browse through posts instead of reading the whole thing, so make your point clear. A short post is easier to get into than a long post.

3. Include Bullet Point Lists

They give structure to your post - and they are easily digestible for your reader.

4. Pictures Rock!

A picture is worth a thousand words, speak to your readers through visual means and convey a stronger message.

"The drawing shows me at one glance what might be spread over ten pages in a book." - Ivan S. Turgenev's novel Fathers and Sons, 1862

5. Be Consistent & Keyword Crazy

Be consistent with your style. People like to know what to expect, so keep the flow!

Also, include lots of keywords in your post to (1) keep the message strong, and (2) pump up the SEO (search engine optimization).

And there it is, your basic tips on effective blog writing.

I'll be getting back to work now, lots of stuff to go over at the office today. It's going to be a design-filled night!

If you have anything to add to those beautiful tips, comment it up!!

~The Raptia Team