Introduction
In his latest book, "Right Thing, Right Now," Ryan Holiday explores the third of the four cardinal virtues: justice. Following his previous works on courage and temperance, Holiday delves into the concept of justice not as a legal matter, but as a personal and societal virtue. This book is a guide to living a more just, fair, and righteous life, one that contributes to a better world for all.
Holiday draws inspiration from ancient philosophers, historical figures, and modern-day examples to illustrate how we can embody justice in our daily lives. He argues that by focusing on personal integrity, societal responsibility, and our interconnectedness with all living beings, we can create a more just and flourishing world.
The Personal Realm of Justice
Be Your Own Referee
Holiday begins by emphasizing that virtue starts with our everyday behavior. While we can't control the world's injustices, we can control our responses and uphold our own standards. This commitment to personal ethics not only gives our lives meaning but also simplifies our choices.
The author uses the example of Harry Truman to illustrate this point. Long before becoming president, Truman developed a personal code of conduct based on honesty, hard work, and service. This commitment led him to refuse bribes and kickbacks, even when it meant financial struggles for his family. Truman's dedication to his principles continued throughout his presidency, leading to significant accomplishments like desegregating the armed forces and investing in rebuilding Europe after World War II.
Holiday stresses that keeping your word and taking responsibility are hallmarks of living justly. He quotes writer Joan Didion, who believed that character and self-respect stem from taking responsibility for your actions. This includes doing your job well, caring about the consequences of your actions, and being dependable.
The author challenges readers to imagine a world where people compete to be the most helpful, forgiving, or environmentally conscious, rather than striving for more money or power. He suggests that by prioritizing ethical living and genuine connections, we could create a society that values more than just professional achievements.
Integrity First
Transparency is a crucial aspect of living justly, according to Holiday. He argues that living transparently acts as an immunization against corruption and dishonesty. This involves more than just complying with laws; it's about being open and honest in all dealings.
Holiday references Thomas Jefferson's advice to act as if the whole world were watching. This principle encourages us to reconsider actions we wouldn't want to be public, fostering trust and respect in our relationships and communities.
Integrity is another key component of justice. Holiday defines integrity as living by what you think is right, not just what you can get away with. He emphasizes that ethical behavior is paramount, regardless of whether something is legal or not. The author warns against working with unscrupulous individuals, citing the Roman Stoic Cato the Younger's caution about collaborating with people like Julius Caesar.
Holiday introduces the concept of "North Stars" - guiding principles that keep us moving in the right direction. These include honesty, respect, fairness, integrity, and justice. He contrasts these with the Greek concept of "pleonexia," meaning self-serving or avaricious behavior, which he sees as the opposite of justice.
The author also touches on the idea of fulfilling one's potential as a matter of justice. He references Oscar Wilde's belief that reaching our potential is our destiny and a moral choice that benefits everyone. By striving to be our best selves, we not only do justice to our own lives but also inspire and create opportunities for others.
The Sociopolitical Realm of Justice
The Power of Kindness
Moving beyond personal ethics, Holiday explores how justice extends to our interactions with others and society at large. He quotes Socrates, who said that justice makes us useful to both ourselves and others. This section emphasizes that justice is a collective virtue, always working for the common good and contributing to society.
The author shares the story of Thomas Clarkson, an English activist who dedicated his life to ending slavery after writing a school essay questioning its morality. Clarkson's efforts, combined with a broad coalition, eventually led to the abolition of slavery in many nations. This example illustrates how one person's commitment can bring about profound change in the world.
Holiday argues that at its core, justice means kindness and equanimity. He references the golden rule - treat others how you'd want to be treated - and emphasizes that we all have the power to care, help others, and create change through justice. The Stoics believed every interaction is a chance to show kindness, fostering better relationships and maintaining our humanity.
To nurture a more virtuous mindset, Holiday suggests bearing witness to how others live. He shares the example of English sociologist Beatrice Webb, who lived among the working classes and subsequently dedicated her life to social reform. This experience shattered her previous beliefs and led her to champion causes like collective bargaining and social safety nets.
Making Good Trouble, Right Now
Holiday argues that helping others shouldn't be seen as optional but as our responsibility. He emphasizes that if we don't take action against injustice, we're giving it room to flourish. The author encourages readers to get involved in both major injustices and local issues, stressing that the decision to participate makes all the difference.
Giving is presented as a crucial aspect of justice. Holiday references Anne Frank's motto, learned from her parents: "No one ever became poor by giving." He points out that the Hebrew word for "charity" (tzedakah) actually means "justice," highlighting the deep connection between generosity and righteousness.
The author emphasizes that giving shouldn't be something we postpone or do only for recognition. Instead, it should be a consistent part of who we are - another North Star guiding our actions. Holiday reminds readers that giving isn't limited to money; we can be generous with our time, effort, praise, and even small gestures like a smile or a kind word.
Sharing knowledge and mentoring others are also forms of giving, according to Holiday. He points out that great philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle all nurtured great minds. The author encourages readers to consider their own careers and ask themselves whom they've given a shot or helped get ahead.
Holiday uses the example of former German chancellor Angela Merkel to illustrate how principles of justice, giving, and generosity can influence major decisions. Merkel's decision to accept a million refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war in 2011, despite criticism, was rooted in her belief that helping the most vulnerable in society was the right thing to do.
The author stresses our responsibility to protect the marginalized and defenseless, ensuring they can live without fear. He challenges readers to consider whether they're supporting the underdog or the powerful, fighting tyranny or being a tyrant. Holiday argues that freedom from fear is essential and that we must protect the vulnerable because, ultimately, they are us, and we are them.
The Universal Realm of Justice
And Justice for All
In this section, Holiday explores the interconnectedness of all beings and how this understanding relates to justice. He references Einstein's idea that humans have an "optical delusion" of consciousness, perceiving themselves as separate individuals when, in reality, we're deeply connected to everything and everyone.
The author points out that this idea of interconnectedness has been echoed by scientists, priests, and thinkers throughout history. He introduces the concept of the "overview effect," experienced by astronauts when they see Earth from space. This perspective instills a global consciousness, making them realize we're all in this together.
Holiday quotes the Roman politician Pericles, who emphasized that a thriving community benefits everyone, while individual success in a failing society is ultimately hollow. The author questions whether success that comes at the cost of others can truly be called success at all.
The concept of "reverence for life," introduced by philosopher Albert Schweitzer, is presented as a way to expand our circle of concern to all living beings. Schweitzer believed true ethics involve helping all life and avoiding harm, not only caring for the present but also protecting society for future generations.
Holiday acknowledges the challenge of expanding our circle to include those with whom we disagree. He shares the inspiring example of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to government office in California. Milk reached out and built bridges even with bigoted groups and individuals, including Dan White, who would ultimately murder him. The author argues that Milk's approach, despite the risks and his ultimate sacrifice, shows us the power of grace and the importance of never giving up hope that justice will prevail.
Love is presented as the underlying force connecting all these ideas. Holiday quotes author James Baldwin, who wrote, "Hatred ... has never failed to destroy the men who hated." The author argues that love protects and perseveres, and that it's a muscle we must strengthen to move through the world with compassion and resilience.
Finally, Holiday references novelist Kurt Vonnegut's observation that what made life worthwhile were the "saints" he met - people who behaved decently in a deeply indecent society. These individuals care for all things and everyone, even those yet to be born, and do what's right even when it costs them everything. The author emphasizes that these people aren't superhuman but are transformed by their dedication to justice, and that we, too, can be transformed if we choose to dedicate ourselves similarly.
Practical Applications of Justice in Daily Life
Throughout the book, Holiday provides numerous practical ways to incorporate justice into our daily lives. Here are some key suggestions:
Develop a personal code of conduct: Like Harry Truman, create a set of principles that guide your actions and decisions.
Practice transparency: Be open and honest in all your dealings, both personal and professional.
Maintain integrity: Live by what you think is right, not just what you can get away with.
Show kindness in every interaction: Treat every encounter as an opportunity to demonstrate kindness and fairness.
Give consistently: Make giving a regular part of your life, whether it's money, time, or knowledge.
Be a mentor: Share your knowledge and experiences to help others grow and succeed.
Stand up for the vulnerable: Use your voice and resources to protect those who can't protect themselves.
Expand your circle of concern: Practice empathy and try to understand perspectives different from your own.
Witness other ways of life: Expose yourself to different cultures and socioeconomic realities to broaden your understanding.
Choose love over hate: In all situations, strive to respond with love and compassion rather than anger or hatred.
The Ripple Effect of Just Actions
Holiday emphasizes throughout the book that our individual actions have far-reaching consequences. He illustrates this point with numerous examples:
- Thomas Clarkson's essay on slavery led to a lifelong mission that contributed to the abolition of slavery in many nations.
- Beatrice Webb's experience living among the working class inspired her to champion social reforms that improved countless lives.
- Angela Merkel's decision to accept Syrian refugees, while controversial, provided safety and opportunity to a million people in need.
- Harvey Milk's willingness to engage with those who opposed him advanced the cause of LGBTQ+ rights, even at the cost of his own life.
These examples demonstrate that when we choose to act justly, our actions can create positive change far beyond our immediate sphere of influence. Holiday encourages readers to consider how their daily choices and actions might contribute to a more just and equitable world.
Overcoming Obstacles to Living Justly
While Holiday presents a compelling case for living a just life, he also acknowledges that it's not always easy. Throughout the book, he addresses several common obstacles:
Short-term thinking: The temptation to prioritize immediate gains over long-term ethical considerations.
Fear of sacrifice: The worry that living justly might require giving up comfort or success.
Cynicism: The belief that individual actions can't make a difference in the face of large-scale injustices.
Peer pressure: The difficulty of maintaining integrity when surrounded by those with different values.
Lack of awareness: The challenge of recognizing injustices, especially those that don't directly affect us.
Holiday counters these obstacles by emphasizing the personal and societal benefits of living justly. He argues that while there may be short-term costs, the long-term rewards - both personal and collective - far outweigh them. He also provides numerous examples of individuals who overcame these challenges to make significant positive impacts.
The Role of Justice in Leadership
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to exploring how justice applies to leadership roles. Holiday argues that truly great leaders are those who prioritize justice and ethical behavior, even when it's unpopular or personally costly.
He uses the example of Harry Truman to illustrate this point. Truman's commitment to justice led him to make decisions that were unpopular at the time, such as desegregating the armed forces, but are now recognized as pivotal moments in the fight for civil rights.
Holiday emphasizes that just leadership involves:
- Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
- Prioritizing the common good over personal gain
- Being transparent and accountable
- Standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult
- Treating all people with respect and fairness
The author argues that by embodying these principles, leaders can create more ethical, productive, and harmonious environments, whether in business, politics, or community organizations.
The Connection Between Justice and Other Virtues
While "Right Thing, Right Now" focuses primarily on justice, Holiday also explores how this virtue connects with the other cardinal virtues: courage, temperance, and wisdom.
Courage is necessary to stand up for what's right, especially in the face of opposition or personal risk. The author points to examples like Harvey Milk and Thomas Clarkson, who demonstrated immense courage in their pursuit of justice.
Temperance, or self-control, is crucial in maintaining integrity and avoiding the temptations that can lead us away from just behavior. Holiday argues that discipline in our personal lives can translate to more just actions in our interactions with others and society.
Wisdom is essential in discerning what the right action is in complex situations. The author emphasizes the importance of continual learning and self-reflection in developing the wisdom necessary to act justly.
By exploring these connections, Holiday presents justice not as an isolated virtue, but as part of a holistic approach to ethical living.
The Future of Justice
In the concluding sections of the book, Holiday turns his attention to the future. He argues that cultivating justice is not just about addressing current issues, but about creating a better world for future generations.
The author encourages readers to think beyond their immediate circumstances and consider the long-term impacts of their actions. He references Albert Schweitzer's concept of "reverence for life," which extends ethical consideration to all living beings and future generations.
Holiday also discusses the role of technology and globalization in shaping our understanding of justice. He argues that while these forces present new challenges, they also offer unprecedented opportunities for individuals to make a difference on a global scale.
The author remains optimistic about the future, arguing that as more people commit to living justly, we can create a positive feedback loop that leads to a more equitable and flourishing society.
Conclusion
"Right Thing, Right Now" is a call to action for readers to embrace justice as a guiding principle in their lives. Ryan Holiday presents a compelling case for why living justly is not only ethically right but also personally fulfilling and socially beneficial.
Through a combination of philosophical insights, historical examples, and practical advice, Holiday provides a roadmap for incorporating justice into our daily lives. He argues that by focusing on personal integrity, expanding our circle of concern, and recognizing our interconnectedness with all beings, we can contribute to a more just and flourishing world.
The book challenges readers to move beyond passive acknowledgment of injustice and take active steps to promote fairness, kindness, and equity in their personal lives and communities. Holiday emphasizes that while the path of justice may sometimes be difficult, it is ultimately the most rewarding way to live.
By the end of "Right Thing, Right Now," readers are left with a renewed sense of purpose and a practical toolkit for living more justly. The book serves as both an inspiration and a guide, encouraging us all to strive for a life that embodies the timeless virtue of justice.