Wrightstown Article #11

On Justice
by Eric Chaet

What sense does it make, to appeal to those with authority resulting from injustices so far, for justice?

Pressure groups and resentful individuals (with good cause and otherwise) want more for themselves, of what can only be taken from others, per procedures created and enforced by those currently most powerful — or by groups of rebels united by a program they are willing to enforce, regardless of injury to those who are not committed to the victory of their group — in the name of the general welfare of whatever community — humanity, or this or that nation, or class, or creed, or race — they reckon is “us.”

Those who currently have the most, use the certain damage rebels would inflict as an argument for maintaining the status quo.

Socrates thought justice was something each one of us did, balancing the elements of our souls.

Confucius thought that one should aim at consummate behavior, as an exemplary person, exemplifying justice in the midst of injustice, wise use of one’s life in the midst of foolish uses of lives.

Meanwhile, luck — as well as injustice — will be elements in who thrives and who doesn’t.

Who begins with advantages, and who has never given a thought about justice, but just seizes advantages, and most cleverly deals with disadvantages?

Some rich people are industrious, some lazy. Some are relatively intelligent, some relatively stupid. Some had good luck, some overcame bad luck.

Some poor people are industrious, some lazy. Some are relatively intelligent, some relatively stupid. Some have wasted good luck, or are defeated by, or are coping with bad luck — and, maybe, victimization.

There are many varieties of victimization — consciously inflicted, or unconsciously, often per bureaucracy — per lack of understanding and consideration — absent-mindedly.

Those attempting to be just must also compete, if only for survival — let alone that living justly should find those with kindred yearning and willingness to struggle intelligently — and sustain the struggle all one’s life — and propagate.

Not competing for a bigger share of the spoils doled out by authorities at others’ expense, but by marketing (likely in rare or even unprecedented ways) something worth far more than they need to charge for creating and deploying it.

I’m talking to you, and I’m talking to myself.

Correct me if I’m wrong, please.

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–Wrightstown Article #11 © Eric Chaet 2022, used in The Wrightstown (Wisconsin, USA) “Spirit” by permission. To use this article in another publication, email Eric Chaet at chaetsarticles at gmail dot com.