Justice in everyday living 

When we think of justice, we generally apply it to things that are obviously just or unjust. However, we are often unjust in small ways without ever realizing it. We may not think when we have thoughts like, “This person does not deserve a promotion,” “She could have tried harder,” “If only he had done this,” in a judgmental way, we are in fact being unjust because we do not give a person what it their due. When we gossip about others, without knowing all the facts we are indulging in a form of injustice that could harm a person. In asking yourself the question “Is this unjust?” be aware that we are unjust in many, barely noticeable ways. 

You are still afraid that others can harm you. You are not yet giving. You are not yet convinced that justice is the only wisdom. 

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.37 (Chuck Chakrapani, Stoic Meditations, Book 4.37) 

Kindness and compassion as a part of justice 

In broad terms, justice includes kindness and compassion. It is the realization that all beings want to be happy and do things that they think will make them happy. 

Although we may often get the feeling that others are deliberately doing things to harm us, in reality, they are mostly doing what they think is the right thing to do in running their lives. 

There is no need to impose our views on anyone. There is no need to be angry or upset with anyone. We deal with everyone and accept everything with kindness and compassion. 

Everything I do—either by myself or with someone else —hould have only one purpose, doing what is useful and well suited to all. 

M. Aurelius Meditations, Bk 7.5 (Chuck Chakrapani, Stoic Meditations, Bk 7.5) 

Social action and justice 

What about social action when we see something to be socially unjust? Should we speak up? Should we protest? 

From a Stoic perspective, if it is not our doing, it is neither good nor evil. If it is outside of us, we don't need it for happiness. 

At first blush, then, it would seem that Stoics don't have to care for others. However, from the Stoic perspective we are part of the whole system which, starting from us, extends to the entire universe. So, when we act, we act not only for our benefit, but the benefit of our relatives, friends, and society at large. 

As we act, we also keep in mind that the outcome is not under our control. Our wisdom tells us that, even when the outcomes are not under our control, actions are often are. When we can, we act. When we act, we put our proposed action through four filters (wisdom, justice, aversion, moderation), the second of which is justice. 

We don't act as though the end justifies the means. Rather, we act with the means we have, acknowledging full well that we may not achieve our end at all. If it doesn't work out the way we would like, it is nothing to us. Not because we don't care, but because we have done all we can in good faith, but we don't control the outcome. 

You can commit injustice by doing nothing. 

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 

Key takeaways 

1. We have a 'natural affection' for those close to us. 
2. We are a part of the world and so our relationship extends from those who are close to us to the entire world. 
3. Because of our interconnectedness we can't harm others without harming ourselves. 

Not harming others means that we act justly towards others and the world in general. Justice is a cardinal Stoic virtue (special skill). 

Justice includes not taking what doesn't belong to us, giving what is due to others, being kind and compassionate to everyone. 

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