What has always astonished me is not Socrates himself but Plato, the old man sitting on the chair, enveloped in melancholy. He is painted as an elder as we witness him in a state of remembrance, his youth overshadowed by the enduring memory of his mentor’s demise.

Blindness robs individuals of their connection to the world and to each other, casting them into a lonely void. The sorrow and loss that accompany this state are a stark reminder of how vital sight—both literal and metaphorical—is to our humanity.

In the abyss of blindness, as José Saramago vividly illustrates, the distinction between white and black dissolves into insignificance. Whether engulfed in a blinding light or an impenetrable darkness, the true anguish lies in the void where vision once thrived.

This portrayal contrasts starkly with the polluted landscape of the United States, filled with smoke, machinery, and modern skyscrapers. Through this painting, Kahlo reflects on how industrialization, increasingly suffocates humanity, distancing us from our natural origins and cultural essence.

“And how hard it must be to live only with what one knows and what one remembers, cut off from what one hopes for.” - Albert Camus, ‘The Plague’

In parallel Aristotle discussed justice while Alexander's wars caused widespread suffering. This reflects a timeless struggle: the disconnect between noble ideals and the harsh realities of power

Ancient Greek thinkers, like Plato and Aristotle, often celebrated men of power without fully acknowledging the pain they inflicted. Plato's vision of a perfect society excluded most and categorized humans

The echoes of interventions resonate through history, revealing the profound impact of foreign influence on cultures and the struggle for self-determination. From the streets of Saigon to the landscapes of Kabul, these stories tell of people fighting for future amidst the remnants of imposed regimes

The phrase "if I can’t have my freedom, then you don’t get to have my life" illustrates where such actions are statements about personal autonomy and liberty. These events prompt consideration of the costs associated with freedom and justice. Let’s just free the world

Andrei Tarkovsky's film "Nostalgia" (1983) includes a scene where a priest self-immolates. This takes place at a statue of Marcus Aurelius. The scene uses the historical figure to explore themes of sacrifice and moral conviction within the film's narrative.

In 1963, Thích Quảng Đức, a Buddhist monk, burned himself in Saigon. This action was a protest against the government's policies, which were seen as discriminatory toward Buddhists. The event became a significant moment during the crisis of the Vietnam War, highlighting religious tension.