"Meno" and "Leaves of Grass": The Comparison of Ideas

There are intriguing parallels between the philosophical ideas explored in Plato's Socratic dialogue "Meno" and the poetic expressions found in Walt Whitman's first edition of "Leaves of Grass." While "Meno" is a philosophical text and "Leaves of Grass" is a work of poetry, both convey profound insights about knowledge, virtue, and the human experience. Gay Wilson Allen characterizes "Leaves of Grass" as a "program poem," suggesting that Whitman had specific ideas he aimed to communicate through his verses. Although he mentioned that these poems arose from "unconscious or mostly unconscious intentions," he was not seeking to prioritize "art or aestheticism." This allows for an exploration of Whitman's ideas through both poetic and philosophical lenses.

The Concept of Anamnesis in "Meno"

In "Meno," Plato introduces the concept of anamnesis, which refers to the recollection of knowledge from a source beyond earthly experience. He argues that true knowledge is not simply acquired through teaching or experience in this life but is instead remembered from a divine or immaterial source. Socrates, the central figure of the dialogue, discusses virtue with Meno and concludes that virtue is a form of knowledge or wisdom. However, the essential question remains: how is this wisdom attained? Socrates suggests that virtue cannot be acquired through nature or formal education; instead, it is bestowed through divine grace, implying that some form of enlightenment or recollection occurs (Hamilton & Cairns, 383).

Reincarnation as a Shared Theme

One significant philosophical intersection between Plato and Whitman is the concept of reincarnation. Socrates, in "Meno," references a slave boy who demonstrates knowledge of geometry not through formal education but through guided questioning. This leads to the conclusion that the boy either possessed this knowledge in a previous existence or has always held it within. As Socrates articulates, "Either then he has at some time acquired the knowledge which he now has, or he has always possessed it" (370). This notion resonates with Whitman's reflections on reincarnation in "Leaves of Grass," particularly in the "Song of Myself" section, where he states:

“And as to you, life, I reckon you are the leavings of many deaths,/No doubt I have died myself ten thousand times before” (The Library of America, 86).

Whitman expresses the cyclical nature of existence and the continuity of the soul through his exploration of life, death, and rebirth.

Transcendentalism and Spiritual Knowledge

Whitman's belief in Transcendentalism further connects his ideas with those of Plato. Allen explains that Whitman's arrangement of poems communicates that all physical life is underpinned by a spiritual world, a central tenet of American Transcendentalism (69). If souls reincarnate, it follows that knowledge may be accessed during the transitions between lives. Whitman describes transcendental experiences that lead to wisdom, suggesting that true understanding comes not solely from sensory experience but from deeper spiritual insights. This aligns with Plato's view that wisdom is "elicited by experience, although not directly derived from experience" (Russell, 136).

The Nature of Knowledge: Recollection vs. Sensory Experience

Whitman's exploration of knowledge often emphasizes transcendental experiences prompted by the physical world. He acknowledges that while sensory experiences may draw him into a state of enlightenment, the true essence of wisdom lies beyond the material realm. For example, he describes a recollection of the crucifixion, suggesting that he has not only lived past lives but has also accessed the wisdom gained from those experiences:

“That I could look with a separate look on my own crucifixion and bloody crowning!.../The corpses rise....the gashes heal....the fastenings roll away” (71).

This recollection signifies a transcendental moment where Whitman gains renewed strength and understanding, echoing Socrates' assertion that knowledge is remembered through experiences beyond this life.

Contrasting Perspectives on Knowledge and Virtue

Despite their shared themes, Plato and Whitman differ in their epistemological approaches. While Socrates asserts that knowledge is gained through recollection of past experiences, Whitman suggests a more complex interplay between material experiences and spiritual insights. In "Song of Myself," he confronts the limits of human understanding:

“It is time to explain myself...let us stand up./What is known I strip away....I launch all men and women forward with me into the unknown” (79).

This exploration of the unknown signifies Whitman's acceptance of the ambiguity surrounding knowledge, contrasting with Plato's more definitive stance. Both thinkers acknowledge the spiritual world and the immortality of the soul but diverge on the mechanisms of acquiring knowledge.

Virtue and Manliness in "Meno" and "Leaves of Grass"

Another parallel between the two works is their treatment of virtue, particularly concerning gender. In "Meno," Socrates discusses different virtues for men and women, stating that a man's virtue lies in managing civic affairs, while a woman's virtue is defined by her domestic responsibilities (Hamilton & Cairns, 355). Whitman similarly addresses gendered virtues in "I Sing the Body Electric," where he admires qualities in both men and women but emphasizes a more egalitarian view of virtue:

“The male is not less the soul, nor more...he too is in his place,/He too is all qualities...the flush of the known universe is in him” (122).

Conclusion

In summary, while both Plato's "Meno" and Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" explore the themes of reincarnation, knowledge, and virtue, they do so through different lenses. Plato's philosophical rigor contrasts with Whitman's poetic exploration, revealing a rich tapestry of ideas that celebrate the complexity of human experience. Both writers affirm the existence of a spiritual world and the immortality of the soul but diverge in their understandings of how knowledge is attained and how virtue is defined. Whitman's more fluid approach to knowledge and virtue reflects the evolving nature of thought, bridging the gap between ancient philosophy and modern poetic expression.

References

Allen, G. W. (1997). A Reader's Guide to Walt Whitman. New York: Syracuse University Press.

Hamilton, E., & Cairns, H. (Eds.). (1961). The Collected Dialogues of Plato. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Russell, B. (1946). History of Western Philosophy. London: The Folio Society.

The Library Of America (Ed.). (1996). Whitman: Poetry and Prose. New York: Literary Classics of the United States.