💍 The Ring of Gyges: What Would You Do If No One Could See You?
In The Republic, Plato shares a haunting tale that blurs the line between mythology and philosophy: the story of Gyges, a shepherd who stumbled upon a magical ring with the power to make him invisible.
After discovering the ring inside a buried giant’s tomb, Gyges realized that by twisting it on his finger, he could vanish from sight. Armed with this power, he infiltrated the royal palace, seduced the queen, murdered the king, and seized the throne.
But Plato isn’t telling a simple myth. Through this story, he asks a timeless question:
If you could act without consequence, would you still choose to do what’s right?
The Ring of Gyges is a metaphor for anonymity and unaccountable power. It challenges us to examine the roots of our morality:
– Do we act justly because it’s right?
– Or simply because we fear punishment?
Plato ultimately argues that true justice comes from within—and that living a just life is healthier for the soul, even if no one’s watching.
The myth of Gyges reminds us:
👉 Who we are in the dark says everything about who we truly are.
More Greek mythology and philosophy here