Plato's theory of forms can be thought of as abstract entities, or qualities that are the essence of all things. Forms are transcendent to our material world - they exist beyond space and time. According to Plato, the material world is full of shadows, or images of the true reality of the realm of forms. Aside from Plato's metaphysical speculations, the world of forms can be applied in a more practical way. By realizing more about the nature of reality, or questioning everything you have ever been told, one can challenge these shadows, or potentially break free from the shadows like the prisoner trapped in Plato's cave.
