Titto Thommy

Plato’s dialogues are philosophical texts written as conversations, often featuring Socrates as the main speaker. These dialogues explore ethics, politics, love, justice, knowledge, and the soul, shaping the foundation of Western philosophy.

In one of his dialogue Phaedrus, Plato presents a fascinating critique of writing. He tells a story where the Egyptian god Theuth invents writing and offers it as a gift to King Thamus. However, the king rejects it, arguing that writing will weaken people’s memory and give only the illusion of knowledge.

While this may have seemed extreme in Plato’s time, his concerns are eerily relevant today.

1. The Weakening of Memory

Plato feared that writing would cause people to rely on external symbols rather than strengthening their own memory. Today, we face an even greater shift: smartphones, Google, and AI have become our external memory banks. Instead of remembering facts, we “Google it.”

2. The Illusion of Knowledge

Plato argued that writing could not defend itself or explain its meaning, giving the false impression of wisdom. In the digital age, this is even more relevant. Social media, AI-generated content, and misinformation flood the internet, often making people feel informed without deep understanding.

3. AI and the “Painting” of Words

Plato compared writing to painting—both create static images that cannot interact or clarify themselves. Today, AI-generated texts and deepfake videos raise similar concerns. AI can generate realistic-sounding text, but it does not truly “understand” what it writes.

4. The Best Way to Learn

Plato wasn’t completely against writing—he saw it as a tool for those who already understood a subject. The same applies today: technology is helpful, but real learning happens through discussion, questioning, and engagement. Instead of passively consuming content, we should actively debate, analyze, and apply what we learn.

Conclusion: Is Plato Still Right?

In many ways, Plato’s critique of writing anticipated modern concerns about digital knowledge. We now live in a world where instant access to information can either enhance or weaken our understanding. The key lesson? Don’t just read—think, discuss, and question. True wisdom comes from conversation, not just consumption.

Would Plato have feared the internet? Maybe. But he would have also encouraged us to use it wisely.