use it does not fit into his plan to pull Thebes out of the plague. He is unwilling to engage in true dialogue, because he is afraid that it might cause him to question his own beliefs. Oedipus is not living his life authentically; he is not being true to himself. In his arrogance he believes himself greater than he really is, and this prevents him from truly seeking his own individuality. Oedipus becomes so caught up in himself that he cannot see his own shortcomings. This prevents him from truly knowing himself. When he goes to the oracle at Delphi to ask who his parents are, he does not follow the advice inscribed above the gate, "Know Yourself." His lack of self-knowledge leads to a lack of interest in dialogue. If he had known himself going into the oracle, he would have realized that running from his fate would solve nothing. Had he been more secure with his individuality and allowed himself to engage in conversation he might have avoided his ultimate demise.Dialogue is essential if we want to be truly capable of defining ourselves as individuals. Finding out own authenticity leads to what Taylor would define as a better life. Oedipus misses out on the good life because he cannot engage in the dialogue necessary, and ends up being destroyed....
