How to Do the Right Thing

1. Cultivate magnanimity for fairness and virtue

What a fine and holy sight we'd see if we could observe the mind of a good person, its brilliance shining forth from a place of tranquil splendor, with justice and courage, moderation and prudence gleaming on every side.

Magnanimity as virtue's foundation. The Stoics believed that cultivating a "large mind" or magnanimity was essential for achieving virtue and treating others fairly. This quality ensures that one always gives others exactly what they deserve – from material goods to personal respect, and even punishment.

Characteristics of magnanimity:

• Perceiving circumstances accurately
• Evaluating situations thoroughly and correctly
• Making unerring decisions
• Planning perfectly
• Providing resolve for action

While few can achieve perfect magnanimity, striving for it sets a higher standard for virtuous behavior and points toward achievable goals for fairness and ethical conduct.

2. Clear thinking is essential for ethical behavior

Only virtue is lofty and exalted, nor is anything great if it is not also calm.

Clarity through calmness. The Stoics emphasized the importance of clear thinking as a precondition for all virtues, including fairness. This involves maintaining a calm and rational state of mind, free from excessive emotions or distorted perceptions.

Steps to promote clear thinking:

• Question common opinions and think independently
• Avoid being swayed by flattery or public approval
• Focus on what is truly valuable rather than external goods
• Cultivate tranquility and self-reliance

By developing these habits, one can better judge situations objectively and respond to others with fairness and wisdom, rather than being driven by impulsive reactions or societal pressures.

3. Regular self-assessment promotes personal growth

I will keep a watch on myself straightway and—the most useful step—review my day.

Daily self-examination. Seneca advocates for regular and systematic self-assessment as a key practice for personal growth and ethical development. This involves critically examining one's thoughts, actions, and motivations to identify areas for improvement.

Components of effective self-assessment:

• Review the day's events and one's responses
• Identify instances of virtuous and non-virtuous behavior
• Analyze the causes of mistakes or shortcomings
• Plan specific improvements for the future

By engaging in this practice consistently, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, overcome harmful habits, and make progress toward becoming more fair and virtuous in their dealings with others.

4. Treat others fairly by understanding their intentions

No one says to himself, "This thing that is making me angry—either I have done it myself, or I could have." No one gauges the other's intention, only the act itself. Yet it's the agent we ought to consider: was his act voluntary or accidental, was she compelled or deceived, was he motivated by hatred or a reward, did she gratify herself or serve another?

Empathy and perspective-taking. Seneca emphasizes the importance of considering others' intentions and circumstances when judging their actions. This approach promotes fairness by encouraging a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of human behavior.

Strategies for fair judgment:

• Avoid jumping to conclusions based solely on actions
• Consider possible motivations and external factors
• Reflect on times when you may have acted similarly
• Practice empathy by imagining yourself in the other's position

By cultivating this mindset, individuals can respond to others' actions with greater wisdom and fairness, reducing unnecessary conflict and promoting more harmonious relationships.

5. Practice mercy as a form of justice and humanity

Clemency exercises freedom of judgment: it makes its determinations not according to a set formula but according to what is fair and good, ... [and] not as though it were doing less than what is just, but as though the determination it reaches is the most just.

Mercy as refined justice. Seneca presents mercy not as a deviation from justice, but as its highest form. It involves carefully calibrating responses to wrongdoing, taking into account all relevant factors to arrive at the most just and beneficial outcome.

Principles of merciful judgment:

• Consider the wrongdoer's character and circumstances
• Aim for correction and improvement, not mere punishment
• Balance the needs of the individual with those of society
• Exercise wisdom in determining appropriate consequences

By practicing mercy, individuals and leaders can promote a more humane and constructive approach to dealing with conflicts and transgressions, fostering personal growth and social harmony.

6. Emulate the benevolence of the divine in human affairs

Like the best parents, who smile when abused by their small children, the gods ceaselessly heap up benefits for people skeptical of the benefits' source, distributing their goods throughout nations and peoples, their course unchanged.

Divine-like generosity. Seneca encourages readers to model their behavior on the imagined benevolence of the gods, who continue to provide benefits even to those who are ungrateful or unaware. This ideal represents the highest form of fairness and generosity in human interactions.

Attributes to emulate:

• Consistent kindness, regardless of reciprocation
• Generosity without expectation of reward
• Patience with others' shortcomings
• Impartial distribution of benefits

By striving to embody these qualities, individuals can cultivate a more expansive and noble approach to treating others, transcending narrow self-interest and contributing to the greater good.

7. Strive for wisdom while accepting human imperfection

Happy are those who strive to reach the good: they will have a place beyond fortune's jurisdiction, greeting success with moderation, reducing adversity to insignificance.

Balancing ideals and reality. Seneca acknowledges the rarity of perfect wisdom while encouraging continuous effort toward virtue. This approach combines aspiration with realism, promoting personal growth without succumbing to discouragement.

Principles for progress:

• Set high standards inspired by the ideal of the wise person
• Recognize and accept human limitations
• Celebrate incremental improvements
• Maintain resilience in the face of setbacks

By adopting this balanced perspective, individuals can pursue ethical excellence while maintaining compassion for themselves and others, fostering a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to personal development.

8. Balance self-interest with concern for others

We should each be convinced of this above all: it is right to be fair without reward. But that is too little: let us each be further persuaded even to take pleasure in this most beautiful virtue at a cost to ourselves, with all our thoughts removed as far as possible from personal advantage.

Expanding circles of concern. Seneca promotes the Stoic concept of oikeiosis, which involves gradually expanding one's sphere of concern from self to family, community, and ultimately all of humanity. This principle encourages a balance between self-care and altruism.

Steps to broaden concern:

• Recognize the interconnectedness of all humans
• Practice considering others' interests alongside your own
• Find satisfaction in fair and benevolent actions
• Cultivate a sense of shared humanity

By internalizing this perspective, individuals can develop a more harmonious and fulfilling approach to social interactions, promoting both personal well-being and the greater good.

9. Respond to adversity with calm rationality

Whoever surrenders to chance gives anxiety much raw material to work with, making it inescapable: disdaining external things, being content with what is honorable, is the one path to safety.

Stoic resilience. Seneca advocates for maintaining equanimity in the face of adversity by focusing on what is within one's control and accepting external events with calm rationality. This approach promotes fairness by preventing impulsive or emotional reactions to challenging situations.

Strategies for maintaining composure:

• Distinguish between what is and isn't under your control
• Focus on your own thoughts and actions rather than external events
• Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth
• Practice mental preparation for potential difficulties

By cultivating this mindset, individuals can respond to life's ups and downs with greater wisdom and fairness, maintaining their ethical principles even in trying circumstances.

10. Pursue virtue as its own reward, not for external gains

Plainly, there is a reward in the very effort, and in the vast power of honorable behavior to win over people's sentiments: its beauty enfolds our minds and ravishes them as they are soothed by the wonder of its brilliant light.

Intrinsic value of virtue. Seneca emphasizes that virtuous behavior, including fairness, should be pursued for its own sake rather than for external rewards or recognition. This principle encourages a more genuine and consistent approach to ethical conduct.

Benefits of virtue-focused motivation:

• Greater resilience in the face of setbacks or lack of recognition
• Consistency in ethical behavior across various situations
• Inner satisfaction and peace of mind
• Positive influence on others through example

By internalizing this perspective, individuals can develop a more robust and authentic commitment to fairness and other virtues, leading to greater personal fulfillment and positive impact on society.

Last updated: April 12, 2025