GENCO MEMO-6/21/24: Book Recommendation on Justice
Some thoughts on Ryan Holiday's new book on the virtue of Justice.
I am reading the new book by Ryan Holiday, “Right Thing, Right Now.”
It is the third book in his series about the four cardinal virtues.
In a nutshell, the book tackles the virtue of Justice and how it is the virtue that gives the others meaning.
So far, I have two practical takeaways.
The first is that Justice is a verb—an action to right, avoid, or counter an injustice. And an injustice is only appreciated as a feeling. It is something we sense based on a moral code we adhere to.
The second is that Justice begins at a personal level with a code of conduct. These are the principles and rules you have agreed to follow in life. This code will be tested in the sacrifices you will make in adhering to it.
To hint at how Holiday illustrates the point, I'll recount the story of Regulus he tells in Part One of the book.
The Story of Regulus
It is 255 BC, and on the far side of the Mediterranean, opposite Rome, lay the great city of Carthage.
The relationship between the two great nations had always been tense, but now the tension had erupted into war–in time to be known as the First Punic War.
For years, the conflict swung like a pendulum, with neither side able to claim a decisive victory.
The Romans would win a battle, the Carthaginians would retaliate, and the struggle seemed endless.
The Captive General
But fortune broke in Carthage's favor the day they captured Marcus Atilius Regulus–one of the most feared and respected Roman generals.
Known by Romans and Carthaginians alike for his unwavering integrity, Regulus had built a reputation as a man who never broke his word.
So tired of war, the Carthaginians decided to use Regulus' strength of his word against Rome.
One night, Carthage's leaders approached Regulus in his prison cell.
"We want to make peace with Rome," they said.
"We believe that if your senators knew the true state of the war, they would agree. We can set you free and allow you to return home, but you must promise to do two things."
The Oath
Regulus listened intently.
"What is it that I must do?" he asked.
"First, you must promise to tell your people that they have not gained anything from this war. Tell them of many battles they have lost. And tell them that Carthage will never submit to Roman will."
"And the second promise?"
"Second, you must swear to return here if they refuse to make peace."
Regulus thought carefully.
"Very well, I promise I will say what you ask. And I swear that if Rome will not make peace, I will return to Carthage. My word is my oath."
Confident in the integrity of his words, the Carthaginians released him.
The Homecoming
When Regulus arrived in Rome, the peoples lined the streets cheering his return.
His family—his wife and children—clung to his arms, believing they would never be separated again.
The senate, the white-haired lawmakers of Rome, summoned him to tell his report on the war.
In the great senate house of Rome, Regulus walked to the center–his presence commanding respect.
"Carthage has sent me to ask for peace," he began.
He talked of the lost battles and the will of Carthage, just as he promised.
And then he paused.
Everyone stayed silent, waiting for his next words.
But he looked down, closed his eyes, and saw the faces of his wife and children–smiling, laughing, and comforted in his return.
But his honor compelled him to look up and in a loud voice say,
"However, it is not in Rome's best interest to agree!
Though we have suffered defeats, our army gains ground everyday.
The Carthaginians are scared, and they should be!
Continue the war.
Give Carthage to respite, and Carthage will fall.
I have returned to bid farewell to my family and to Rome.
Tomorrow, I will return to Carthage and to prison, for I have given my word."
A commotion started with the senators.
And gasps of disbelief could be heard.
They urged him to stay, offering to send another in his place.
Regulus shook his head. "Shall a Roman not keep his word?" he asked.
"I am Roman. I will go back, as I promised."
The Sacrifice
His family wept, his sons begged him to stay, but Regulus wiped the tears from their eyes.
"I have given my word," he said softly.
"The rest will be taken care of."
He bid farewell and returned to Carthage, knowing the fate that awaited him.
The Carthaginians, true to their cruel reputation, subjected him to torture beyond imagination.
Yet, through it all, Regulus' spirit remained unbroken.
He endured, not for glory, but to honor his word as a Roman.
(Ahhh, that’s an inspiring story)
I think of that story when I promise to represent someone in trial or I give my word that I’ll back another lawyer when they try theirs.
Like Regulus, if I promise to do something–I do it.
Now, you know the story.
Here's a link to Ryan Holiday’s book.
Here's a YouTube interview where Holiday talks about how writing this book changed his thinking about the stoic philosophy.
Give the book a try.
In fact, buy all his books on stoicism.
You might find one idea, or one story, that will be the key you need when facing one of life's tests.
Movie Recommendation: A Few Good Men
On another note, if you want to see a movie about a conflict in personal codes of conduct, try A Few Good Men.
I’ve recommended this movie before.
The thematic idea in the movie is whether the personal codes each of the characters is following is correct under the circumstances.
Here’s a short clip where one of the marines says they have dedicated themselves to the marine code, “Unit, Corp., God, Country.”
That is all.
Have a great weekend.