The decision that didn’t add up—on paper

I once got asked about a decision I made at work that, from the outside, seemed to cost us more time and money. The truth is, it was the right call for the people involved, even if it didn’t make perfect mathematical sense.

In today’s world, we tend to think of justice as something that happens in courtrooms—a matter for lawyers, judges, and juries. But for the Stoics, justice is something you live every single day. It’s found in the big decisions and the small ones, in choices that often go unseen but still leave an impact on those around you.

Justice as a core virtue

Justice, in the Stoic sense, is one of the four cardinal virtues—along with wisdom, courage, and temperance. Marcus Aurelius put it simply:

If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 12.17

Regardless of what the law says where you live, or what your personal interests might suggest, Stoic justice is about giving others—and yourself—their due. That means fairness. It means honesty. It means integrity.

Justice is not the same as law

Laws can be unjust in the Stoic sense. Justice, as the Stoics saw it, can require breaking with the status quo. In business and in life, you’ve probably seen moments where the rules were followed to the letter, but fairness was completely ignored. That may be “legal,” but it isn’t Stoically just.

Take a simple example: you’re a manager deciding who gets a promotion. You might naturally lean toward the person you like more, the one you grab coffee with or chat with after meetings. But is that fair? Is that person truly the hardest worker? Have they demonstrated the most leadership? Stoic justice requires that we guard against letting personal feelings cloud our judgment.

The cost of justice

Like the other Stoic virtues, justice is rarely free. It often costs you comfort, popularity, or resources. The just decision is the one that is right—regardless of the outcome.

If the person who deserves the promotion gets it, some team members may feel jealous. A close friend in the running might be upset with you. But the outcome doesn’t change the fact that you made the right call.

This is why courage is essential to justice. Without courage, justice collapses. It’s easy to know what’s right. It’s much harder to do what’s right when it costs you.

Justice in everyday life

So what does justice look like in everyday life?

In the workplace: Giving credit where it’s due—even to someone who might not return the favour.

At the gym: Not hogging equipment, cleaning up after yourself, respecting the fact that it’s a shared space. Spotting someone when they’re struggling under a weight. Treating people kindly regardless of their fitness level.

In relationships: Being honest without cruelty. Keeping promises even when it’s inconvenient. Showing up to help a friend move because you said you would—even if you’d rather be on the couch that day.

These moments aren’t glamorous. They won’t make headlines. But they are the real proving grounds for virtue. Stoic justice isn’t proven in front of an audience—it’s revealed in the little things you do when no one’s watching.

The everyday heroism of justice

I’d challenge you to see justice not as something handed down by a court, but as something you live in your daily interactions. It’s treating others—and yourself—with fairness, honesty, and integrity.

The Stoics didn’t treat justice as an abstract ideal. They lived it in the marketplace, in politics, in war, and in private life. And so can we.

Justice isn’t about being the hero in a courtroom drama, wearing a tailored suit and delivering a passionate closing argument. It’s about making the right call— day after day, moment after moment— when no one’s watching and no one’s keeping score.

Brandon is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. He also coaches individuals to help them be their best selves, writes articles, plays music, manages projects, and several other things.

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