We are all faced with this concept of justice. From virtually the first moment we can remember – our adolescent memories – we are exposed to the unfairness of life. Where is justice when some are smarter than others or better looking or richer? Quickly we realize that this is an idea that is difficult to define – especially when we live, seemingly, in such an unjust world. It is clearly not even fair how we begin our life journey. Why? That is the point: there is no “why.”
There is no rhyme or reason to how life begins – to claim such, as in the so-called “divine right of kings,” (1) is absurd in a modern world? There is no natural birthright – no preordained destiny. We are thrust into society, much like a leaf in the wind. At birth, we have no deliberate trajectory – no destiny. The storm of life bounces the individual around and places you here — or there. In an odd sense, however, that is a remarkably freeing fact.
I recently had an interesting experience in one of my classes. I asked the students whether it was a wonderful world. The answer was to be given in a, “Yes, it is because … or No, it is not because …,” framework. What was most shocking to me, and this is from 16-year-olds, was the amount of negative responses. I received a litany of, essentially, news reports — ranging from lack of work, unfathomable war; extreme violence; pernicious poverty; uncontrollable migration; our friend, the Corona Virus – pestilence; untimely death, global warming, etc. – a summation of everything social media throws at us on a daily basis.
I was awestruck and flummoxed, to say the least. “Wait a moment,” was my riposte. “How do you, personally, know that any of this is true, or at least true in the dramatic sense you are describing?” As you can guess, I was met with the proverbial stony silence — and the easily identifiable, “Stupid-old-man look.”
So, we practiced an age-old exercise: silence. We closed our eyes and were silent for two long, very long, minutes. The proviso being – this was a big class – that if anyone spoke, the slightest whisper, giggle or guffaw, we would start again. Not a word for the entire period: impressive, actually! Then I asked. “Who inhabited your mind when your eyes were closed?” After a moment of shock at the strangeness of the question, I received the desired answer, “I did.” You, of course, know the rest. My summation: “You are alone: you were born alone and you will die alone. You are controlled through your five senses (your sense of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing – the sixth sense being your interconnectivity with the Universe, with God). Now, this is not the fearful isolation of a maximum-security prison, it is the wonderful freedom to be you and develop the life, you want to live. You are alone and liberated — given your Givens.” (2) It had the desired effect. A wave of relief washed across the classroom – this was their, perhaps imagined, acknowledgment of the truth.
I create my world: it lies within me. They were, noticeably, calmer and happier for the rest of the class. Life, therefore, is up to the individual. Where you take it, or what happens in it, is largely a product of you and your efforts. It isn’t fair, unfortunately. But given that you have been given this wonderful gift called life – it is just. The noted philosopher and poet Solomon ibn Gabirol (3) leaves us with a thought: The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.
A closing thought: Once I realize that I am 100% responsible for my life, I free myself from all harmful regrets and a destructive sense of guilt. Life becomes my tutor, my instructor. The secret is not to repeat her lessons too many times. Most of us will not learn this subject easily, unfortunately. We will copy our errors many, many times until we are finally free. The most wonderful aspect of being alive is just that: as long as you awaken, you can remake your life each and every day. What a magnificent thought: a perpetual sense of re-creation, the remaking of you on a daily basis.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about justice and how, in all her fickleness, she is ultimately just.
To be noted: The only thing we can know is that we know nothing and that is the highest flight of human wisdom — Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910).
Just for fun: Brahms Violin Concerto in D major, Op.77
For reflection: This will make you wiser!
This week, please remark on your concept of wisdom.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Quote: Be brave each and every day: personal courage will help you overcome all loss, pain, and adversity.
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