Socrates : Friends, why does “power” – and I’m not just talking about political power – seem to inflate egos so drastically? It’s remarkable how the mighty seem to tower, assuming grand statures far beyond their true measure.

Mauritian journalist : It’s true, and the way you bring this out with your ironic touch is brilliant. But, I wonder, are we too immersed in this cult of personality and lineage adoration here in Mauritius?

Socrates : Indeed, it seems like a spiraling affair. Look at the MBC – how it shamelessly broadcasts those sycophantic narratives, night after night. Despite warnings to the Prime Minister that such flattery could backfire, it seems the court he keeps prefers wallowing in this muck.

Mauritian journalist : It’s disheartening. Sometimes I feel a jolt of reaction, a backlash, but what future do we have when governed by such ‘princes of folly’? The tragedy is that, the most affected are often the least aware.

Socrates : You capture a stark reality, my friend. This painting I sketch might appear dark, yet aren’t these the shades that color our current societal landscape? Only time may free us from this mire. To those of you with time, I implore: fight. As for me, ostracized and heavy with sorrow, I can only prompt dialogue.

Mauritian journalist : What then should we do? It’s difficult to cling to hope when the winds are so foul.

Socrates : Let’s employ what I like to call the ‘Socratic Method of Modern Inquiry.’ Imagine if I were in Port-Louis and someone approached me with rumors or complaints about a friend. I’d say, “Hold on, before you proceed, let’s apply the Triple Filter Test. First, is it true? Second, is it good? Finally, is it useful?”

Mauritian journalist : So, applying this to our context, we must ask: Are our criticisms based on verified truths? Do they promote goodness? Are they useful to our discourse?

Socrates : Precisely. If what we discuss passes these filters, then it deserves to be shared and examined. Otherwise, it’s just noise that serves no constructive purpose. This way, we focus our energy not on mere critique but on fostering meaningful change.

Mauritian journalist : It’s a challenging path, but a necessary one. Let’s strive to keep our discussions rich with truth, goodness, and utility. Maybe then, we can hope to steer our ship through these turbulent waters.

Socrates : Let this dialogue continue. As we reflect on our situation with critical eyes, let us also find spaces for hope and action. After all, wisdom doesn’t just reside in understanding the world as it is, but in envisioning and working toward what it could be.