The Word of The Day Challenge for June 17 is Moiety. Admittedly I had to look this one up, but I’m thankful to learn its meaning. It’s definition according to Merriman-Webster’s dictionary is “Moiety: one of two equal parts – Half” It reminded me of a Plato allegory that I discovered some years ago and instantly loved. It’s a beautiful story and worth the read. Here is a brief synopsis of the lengthy document I found on theconversation.com with some links to the Symposium if you are interested.
“In the beginning, humans were androgynous. So says Aristophanes in his fantastical account of the origins of love in Plato’s Symposium. Not only did early humans have both sets of sexual organs, Aristophanes reports, but they were outfitted with two faces, four hands, and four legs. These monstrosities were very fast – moving by way of cartwheels – and they were also quite powerful. So powerful, in fact, that the gods were nervous for their dominion. Wanting to weaken the humans, Zeus, Greek king of Gods, decided to cut each in two, and commanded his son Apollo “to turn its face…towards the wound so that each person would see that he’d been cut and keep better order.” If, however, the humans continued to pose a threat, Zeus promised to cut them again – “and they’ll have to make their way on one leg, hopping!” The severed humans were a miserable lot, Aristophanes says. “[Each] one longed for its other half, and so they would throw their arms about each other, weaving themselves together, wanting to grow together.” Finally, Zeus, moved by pity, decided to turn their sexual organs to the front, so they might achieve some satisfaction in embracing.”
I find this story very romantic. For those of us who believe in soulmates and two halves making a whole, this allegory would seem to confirm our thoughts. I found it buried in a self-help relationship book that someone had recommended to me. I felt better instantly because I always had an indescribable feeling my whole life that something was missing. As if I were limping through life with only one leg. For fear of sounding dramatic, the book, and Plato’s allegory, changed my way of thinking about life and the universe. We waste too much time searching for the wrong things and not realizing that it is us who hinder our own progress. I hope you enjoyed this. Christine Bolton Word of the day Challenge: Moiety Follow Poetry For Healing on WordPress.com
Thanks a lot. I am honored 😊
I really enjoyed your post. I had not heard that story before and it has given me something to think about. Occasionally I like to believe there is a male counterpart for me and this gives me hope.
Aw thanks Jae-lyn 😊. It’s definitely food for thought, isn’t it?
It is. 😄
Hey, your idea and choice is really great and gave me the just inspiration i needed. Please have a look at it. Also, I have mentioned you in the post in an attempt more people will know about you.
https://poetelegy.com/2018/06/17/skin-black-or-white/
Oh I just read your post and loved your poem. Moiety is a great word! Thank you for your support. 😊
Sure thing. In fact, I am the one grateful for such a beautiful word.
Yes me too. Actually I wrote something along the same lines as your when Word of the Day was Juxtapose. These words really make you think don’t they?
So True. They help you tap into the reservoirs of your imagination and pen them down. 👌
BTW I nominated you for the Sunshine Bloggers Award. Hope you don’t mind! 😊
https://poetryforhealing.com/2018/06/19/sunshine-blogger-award/