Was it Aristotle who said the human soul is composed of reason, will, and desire? No, that was Plato. Aristotle and Plato were as different as Mel Tormé and Bing Crosby. In any case, things were a lot simpler in the old days, Komatsu said. Wouldn't it be fun to imagine reason, will, and desire engaged in a fierce debate around a table?
The quote refers to the philosophical concepts of the soul, attributing them incorrectly to Aristotle instead of Plato. The comparison between Aristotle and Plato highlights their differing views and ideas. This distinction suggests a deeper exploration of human nature and the complexities of moral and ethical reasoning.
Komatsu's whimsical imagining of reason, will, and desire debating adds a playful tone to the discussion. It invites readers to reflect on how these elements interact within the human psyche, emphasizing the complexity of decision-making and personal identity in a modern context. This scene can serve as a metaphor for the internal conflicts we all face.