Stoic Justice

Last week we started a 4 part series on the Four Pillars of Stoicism: Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude, & Self-Discipline. In particular, we looked at Stoic Wisdom and its ability to help us see more clearly. This week we'll take some time to reflect on Stoic Justice.

When we think about justice we might initially think of courtrooms and legal systems, but for the Stoics, justice was about treating others with generosity, kindness, and respect—and having the courage to act on those values even when it's inconvenient. 

For example, I was recently in line at my local Target and watched as the person working the checkout treated everyone with the same kindness and dignity, regardless of what they were buying, what they looked like, or how they acted.  They approached their job with a level of foundational respect for each person they helped, even when there were some "challenges" in the process.

When I think about Justice like this, it makes me realize how often I have opportunities to practice it in small ways throughout my week. When a teammate is struggling with a project, do I offer assistance or just feel grateful it's not my problem? When someone shares a different perspective in a meeting, do I listen with genuine curiosity or immediately start formulating my counter-argument? When I see someone being treated unfairly, do I find a way to speak up or do I stay silent to avoid conflict?

The person at Target could have taken a very different approach (especially with a few of those folks!), and probably felt justified in thinking it was their right to give the customers some of their own medicine! But Justice, in the Stoic sense, isn't about what we're required to do or what we think is fair—it's about what we can do to make our little corner of the world more kind and generous.

Stoic Justice is the daily practice of treating others the way they deserve to be treated as fellow human beings. 

Notice there is a period at the end of that sentence! In other words, we treat them with dignity and respect as fellow humans, regardless of how they may be acting.

Where in your life do you have opportunities to practice Justice in small ways? Is there a situation at work or in your relationships where you could step forward to help create more kindness or generosity? What would it look like to have the courage to do what's right, even when it might be uncomfortable or inconvenient?

Here's to practicing Justice in the small moments this week!

Be Well

Stephen

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