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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Right Thing, Right Now summary
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Right Thing, Right Now summary
Ryan Holiday
Goodness to Greatness
19 mins
Brief summary
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday guides us on how to make ethical decisions in the present moment. It blends wisdom and practical advice to navigate moral dilemmas and act with integrity in everyday life.
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Right Thing, Right Now
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Be your own referee
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?
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What is Right Thing, Right Now about?
Right Thing, Right Now (2024) is a valuable guide for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges with integrity and purpose. Drawing on real-life examples, the book offers practical advice on making ethical decisions, fostering a sense of interconnectedness, and finding peace in a chaotic world.
Right Thing, Right Now Review
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday (2022) delves into the importance of making wise decisions promptly. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Offers practical strategies for effective decision-making in various life scenarios.
- Provides insights on embracing responsibility and taking action to achieve meaningful outcomes.
- Presents real-life examples and compelling stories that make the content engaging and relatable.
Who should read Right Thing, Right Now?
- People interested in leading more meaningful lives
- Anyone curious about the virtues of Stoicism
- Altruistic individuals
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Right Thing, Right Now FAQs
What is the main message of Right Thing, Right Now?
Making the right choices in the present moment leads to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
How long does it take to read Right Thing, Right Now?
Reading time for Right Thing, Right Now varies, but on average, it takes a couple of hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Right Thing, Right Now a good book? Is it worth reading?
Right Thing, Right Now is a valuable read as it offers practical insights on decision-making and personal growth in a concise and engaging manner.
Who is the author of Right Thing, Right Now?
The author of Right Thing, Right Now is Ryan Holiday.
What to read after Right Thing, Right Now?
If you're wondering what to read next after Right Thing, Right Now, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
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