Thoughts on Truth & Justice (& Legal Icons)

Posted by: Leslie Sigal Javorek • Date: Wed Sep 2, 2009 11:53 am

Truth and Justice. Such seemingly simple concepts that we expect every kindergartener to understand and abide by. So why are these traits so elusive in the adult world?

“I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an Honest Man.“ — George Washington (1st U.S. president (1789-1797), 1732-1799)

“Assertion is not argument; to contradict the statement of an opponent is not proof that you are correct.“– Samuel Johnson (English lexicographer, critic, and poet, 1709-1784)

“Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we resort to to hide them.“ – François de la Rochefoucauld (French writer, 1613-1680)

“I have a lantern. You steal my lantern. What, then, Is your honor worth no more to you than the price of my lantern?“ — Epicetus (Greek stoic philosopher, ca 55 – ca 135)

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One thought on “Thoughts on Truth & Justice (& Legal Icons)”

Well, this is quite interesting. Not because you bring up a subject that has been discussed for about 3 millennia. But approaching these concepts from an imagology perspective lets us see that we associate these concepts with “judgement.” Lady justice has her eyes closed, holding a balance in her hand. Curiously, in English justice refers both to judgement and something that is “just.” But other than in courts, they don’t meet much, do they now..

…And they (judgment and justice) don’t always meet even in our courts, either. Unfortunately, I think that may be simply a reflection of the nature of humans and more precisely, the nature of humans acting as a “group” (as if the “group” were a separate, single entity) and neglecting to assess their individual responsibility for such group-think. More simply put, while there certainly are villains in this world, it is the vast majority who fail to stand up against the despots, whether out of fear, selfishness, or apathy, that are the greater obstacle to fashioning a truly just and loving world.

Like most idealistic youngsters, I used to believe it was possible to change governments, countries, people in a wholesale manner just by getting their attention and showing them the errors of their ways, because why would anyone purposely choose to do something harmful to others? I’m no longer that young and can now recognize (although still don’t understand) that there ARE people who wish to harm others and that you can’t legislate courage or morality. But I’m still optimistic, as long as we have a system (however flawed) that at least has as its’ goal to have its’ judgments be “just” and I’ll remain optimistic as long as I live in a Country where I’m free to try to change the world by listening, sharing, and by example one person at a time.

I appreciate your taking the time to create a dialog here, Ali. That’s exactly the way I think we CAN change the world. (I see from your own blog that this is one of your goals as well and I commend you for your serious dedication to understanding and enabling a better world. Bless You!

Leslie