Right Thing, Right Now summary

In this Blink we’ll look at the essential virtue of justice in three realms: the personal, or “the me”; the sociopolitical, or “the we”; and then we’ll tie it together with “the all.”

Starting with the personal is a way to remind ourselves that virtue begins with everyday behavior. The Stoics taught that while we can't control the world's injustices, we can control our responses and uphold our own standards. A commitment to personal ethics not only gives our lives meaning, it frees us. When you have a solid foundational code to live by, choices are simpler.

Virtuous living is all about the choices we make, and how they reflect the kind of people we want to be. Living a just life requires integrity, honesty, and good treatment of others.

Long before Harry Truman became president of the United States, he cared deeply about justice. He was influenced by the teachings of the Roman emperor and Stoic Marcus Aurelius, and wanted to live a life that embodied the four virtues. So he developed a personal code of conduct that emphasized honesty, hard work, and service. 

As a result of this commitment, when he was starting a life in politics, Truman had to repeatedly refuse bribes and kickbacks. This meant he and his family often struggled financially and his career long teetered on the brink of political obscurity. Truman once told his daughter that though he might not leave her a fortune, he’d be leaving her a good and honorable name, which meant more in the long run.

As president, Truman continued to uphold his ethical standards. Among his many accomplishments were the desegregation of the armed forces and investing billions of dollars in helping to rebuild Europe after World War II.

These noble actions weren’t popular at the time, however, and when he left office his approval rating was abysmal – just over 20 percent. But over time, his legacy aged well, and many of his actions are seen as prime examples of ethical leadership.

Keeping your word and taking responsibility are other hallmarks of living justly. As the writer Joan Didion put it, character and self-respect stem from taking responsibility for your actions. It’s about doing your job well, caring about the consequences of your actions, and being dependable. This personal accountability ripples outward, affecting others and creating a world where actions are meaningful.

Take a moment to imagine a world where people, rather than competing to make more money, vied to be the most helpful, the most forgiving, or the most environmentally conscious. Could we create a society in which ethical living and genuine connections take precedence over mere professional achievements? What’s stopping us?