dig.ni.fy Summer 2024 | Page 3

dig.ni.fy

William Paul Wanker

Founder

dig.ni.fy magazine

is produced in partnership with Human Dignity Projects.

London, England

© 2024, dig.ni.fy magazine.

All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of dig.ni.fy.

During a very consequential U.S presidential

election marked by polarization, frustration, and

hostility toward our countrymen, I am reminded

of a conversation that took place almost 3000

years ago between Socrates and Glaukon which

was recorded by Plato in the “Allegory of the Cave.” In that conversation, Socrates outlined how an enlightened leader or educator would act: he or she would not act out of fear or for personal gain, but instead work with others to show them they had the capacity within themselves to align their soul with its innate vision that has not yet been applied properly.

If this is true, we might learn a great deal by comparing the character, temperament, and practice of Trump and Biden to determine who by such criteria would be the type of person best fit to lead. What we might learn from this exercise would, in due course, also allow us to see what might be done moving forward, now that Harris has been made the nominee who will stand against Trump in the general election scheduled for November.

But more than that, if Socrates’ lesson remains true, that the soul can be aligned with its innate vision of what is good and proper through the pursuit of truth and beauty, then we can also understand that such an undertaking need not be conducted solely within the realm of politics. It could also be brought about through the practice of art, for in that practice (or craft) the pursuit of beauty can guide us to the truth about our identity and sense of place both in terms of history and how we as individuals understand and act in relationship with others in our community.

It is in this latter regard that both Andy Goldsworthy and Jeffrey Gibson stand as exemplars, as do many of the artists who have participated in this year’s Venice Biennale. In each instance, whether as an insider or outsider (or inside outsider), the beauty presented by the artist’s practice contextualizes the truth history presents and thereby forces us to not only confront but align our practice with our soul’s vision of a better nature presented through an experience of the “Good.”

It also holds true of educators, who don’t teach by way of doctrine but who instead open their students’ mind (and that of their colleagues) to the possibilities of what can be achieved if only fear were placed aside. Kevin Gin again stands as an exemplar in this regard, as he presents the positive outcomes that might be achievable if only students and administrators within higher education would open their minds to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Understanding through contrast of what exceptional individuals can achieve or teach us, whether they be politicians or educators, we might better “see” others as they and we truly are. We might even realize the country we deserve.

Enjoy!

Wil

In this Issue .

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