The Ring of Gyges that makes you invisible is not the most famous image in Plato’s Republic. But this thought-provoking story might bring out a key way Christianity transcends even the best Greek philosophy. At issue: how important is it that we really be seen by someone?

In the legend, a magic ring corrupts the shepherd who finds it, and so the story is offered as illustration that people are only ‘just’ or good when constrained by being seen by others. Invisibility supposedly sets a person free to do what he wants, which it often turns out is not very pretty. Socrates’ students want him to argue that being just is always better, even if you are not seen by anyone. Arguing to that effect is the main burden of the Republic, and Socrates’s reasoning is a tour de force of insight into human nature and our true flourishing and happiness. But, as usual with Plato and Socrates, the whole scenario occasions further questions and reflections.

Socrates makes clear, I think, that living virtuously is a great good desirable in itself. An important corollary is that virtue is its own reward, and so it is worth pursuing even if we remain unrecognized and un-honored by others. But, by the end of the book, Socrates argues further that the just man is, ultimately, honored by both gods and men. Just how important Socrates thinks such recognition and honor are can be debated. No doubt, he thinks they are very fitting, and also pleasing, even if not necessary. In any case, it seems he wants to emphasize we should be willing to be good even if unrecognized. This, I think, is an excellent point.

The particular point that interests me here is something that Socrates would not have considered: that even though justice is worthwhile even if unrecognized, in fact, every aspect of the drama of my life is completely transparent to Someone who not only can see, but is intently observing me—because he wants to, because it genuinely means something to him.

The wonderful issue of justice—which is here a term for all the righteous dispositions and actions most expressive and fulfilling of human nature—takes on a new color. Yes, the astoundingly beautiful reality of justice is choice-worthy in itself; and yes, it is thus choice-worthy even if (which is very unlikely) no human persons were to notice. But the truth is that our justice, or lack thereof, is always, everywhere, and necessarily the object of a ‘noticing’ that beggars the imagination.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar… and are acquainted with all my ways.” Psalm 139:1-3

“For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.” Job 34:21

“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” Gen 16:13

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13

“You have kept count of my wanderings, put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” Psalm 56:8

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31

To live in the constant notice of God himself, who is a Father: such is central to my very identity and my vocation. Thank you, Plato and Socrates, for so clearly and passionately pointing out that the way of righteousness is incomparably precious and beautiful, requiring no human notice for validation.

And thank You, Lord. Thank You. For never leaving me alone or unseen. For seeing me through and through, with the eyes of Love; in the depth of my being, and in my most passing moments. Thank you, that for us, there is simply no such thing as being invisible. ~ ~ ~

NEW PODCAST EPISODE: WHEN a MAN ENTERS a ROOM. How do boys learn to be men? To consider one of the great life questions, we need a clear vision of what a man is, and how he should act. Sofia and I start this discussion with a simple but revealing question: what does a real man do when he enters a room?  Find and share all our podcasts HERE.

John Cuddeback

Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.