Baltasar Gracian wrote, “A just man. He stands on the side of the right with such conviction, that neither the passion of a mob, nor the violence of a despot can make him overstep the bounds of reason.” This is the commitment that the warrior should have to justice, and it is also where Socrates was wrong in his decision to take his own life at the command of the Greek politicians. He overstepped the bounds of reason.

There is a big difference between being lawful and being just. Although the two can overlap, this is not always the case. Socrates was following the letter of the law, not necessarily being just. If justice was actually done in that case, Socrates would have never been sentenced to death in the first place. This is a great example of the law and true justice being at odds with each other. If you try, I am sure that you can come up with many other clear cut, modern day examples as well.

It is important for the warrior to keep this distinction in mind when considering his actions. It is also important that he keep in mind the consequences of his actions. Sometimes being just can put you at odds with the law, and that most likely will have less than desirable consequences. Although it may seem to be easy and straightforward at first glance, living the warrior lifestyle is not easy or uncomplicated. Sometimes being just requires you to make some hard decisions, but the truly just man will put what is right before what is easy. Bohdi Sanders ~ author of the multiple award-winning book, The Art of Inner Peace, available from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937884279. Signed copies are available from: https://www.the-art-of-inner-peace.com/.