There are very few documents in United States history that share the social impact of Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from Birmingham Jail. The purpose of Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter was to illustrate the reluctance of the American South to create positive change because they were afraid to redefine their beliefs, afraid of tension; defining peace as a lack of racial tension instead of the presence of justice and truth. In essence, the letter was a challenge to American society to look within itself and create change. I believe the letter also sought to solidify his position on the injustice created by segregation and to illustrate the lack of action of not only moderate whites, but also complacent black citizens. Furthermore, it was important to take lightly the unflinching comments of white religious leaders when referring to their concern about the demonstrations; without focusing on why the demonstrations happened. They were looking at the effects and not the causes. Furthermore, Martin Luther King states that “…freedom is never granted voluntarily by the oppressor; it must be requested by the oppressed." Important distinctions to make for those not constrained by the injustice of segregation; mainly the compliant black citizens and the moderate whites. Ultimately, the letter is a call to action; a call to the population of the American South to change their beliefs and change their society. Also, an example of how difficult it is to achieve change when resistance is demonstrated by individuals and society at large. The influence of Plato's “Allegory of the Cave” is very evident in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. The allegory illustrates the inability to look beyond our immediate reality; looking beyond our own... center of the card... for the benefit of others. In essence, this principle aims to remove selfishness from our actions. Unfortunately, the return to the cave ends with the killing of the prisoner who made the journey out of the cave. In conclusion, the relevance of the "Allegory of the Cave" lies in the fact that its culmination continues to repeat itself throughout history. Socrates, Galileo, and Martin Luther King Jr. are examples of important historical figures who were condemned for their ability to make the journey out of the cave and return to free their community from the constraints that limit human growth. I believe that the most important lesson that can be found in Plato's allegory is that we must learn to look beyond our immediate reality and that our actions should be oriented towards the unification of our communities. Only then will we arrive at the ultimate goal of living for the common good.