Benjamin Franklin’s Virtue of Justice: Why Fairness Still Matters in 2025

If you’ve ever wished the world came with an instruction manual, Benjamin Franklin might be the closest thing we’ve got. The man wasn’t just a Founding Father—he was the original self-improvement guru. Among the 13 virtues Franklin outlined to guide a life of character, “Justice” stands out as one of the most relevant today. And let’s face it—our culture could use a masterclass in fairness right now.

So what exactly did Franklin mean by justice? In his own words: “Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.” In plain English: Don’t hurt people, and don’t withhold help when you know it’s right to give it. Justice, to Franklin, was about treating others with fairness, dignity, and responsibility—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not.

Let’s unpack how this old-school virtue still holds power for modern success.

Justice Isn’t Just for Judges

We tend to think of justice as something that happens in a courtroom, with lawyers, gavels, and maybe a few dramatic objections. But Franklin was pointing to something much simpler—and more personal. Justice is how we treat our coworkers, our neighbors, our spouses, and yes—even that guy who cuts us off in traffic.

When we treat others with fairness and respect, it creates ripple effects in every area of our life. Your reputation at work? Built on fairness. Your influence as a leader? Grounded in how justly you make decisions. Your relationships? Strengthened by how consistently you show up with honesty and integrity.

As I share in my book Moral Compass, justice isn’t something we wait to be handed. It’s something we carry. It’s the way we make sure our internal compass points toward the kind of person we want to be—especially when no one’s watching.

Injustice in Real Life: The Quiet Kind

We often picture injustice as something loud—fraud, theft, oppression. But the more subtle version is the one Franklin warned us about: omitting the good we should be doing.

Think about it:

• You know a teammate is getting credit for work they didn’t do, but you stay quiet.

• You watch someone struggle, but you’re too busy to step in.

• You see unfair policies, but you don’t want to “rock the boat.”

That silence? That’s the injustice Franklin was talking about. It’s not just about the wrongs we commit—it’s about the good we refuse to do when the opportunity is staring us in the face.

The Modern Test of Justice: Digital Dignity

Let’s get real for a second. In today’s online world, the virtue of justice faces a new test: social media.

It’s easy to forget that the person on the other side of the screen is, well, a person. Franklin didn’t have a Twitter account, but I guarantee if he did, he wouldn’t be subtweeting people or canceling them over a typo. Justice means treating others with respect—even when we disagree, even when we feel justified in being unkind, and even when we think no one’s paying attention.

Being fair online is part of being fair in life. And with algorithms rewarding outrage, it takes real character to be the voice of reason.

Why Justice = Success

Justice isn’t just a feel-good virtue. It’s also a success principle.

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that people who are perceived as fair and just are more trusted by their teams, more likely to be promoted, and more influential in leadership roles. Why? Because fairness breeds trust. And trust is the currency of success.

When people know you won’t cut corners, cheat others, or ignore wrongs—you become someone worth following. Whether you’re managing a team or mentoring your kids, the way you show justice becomes the legacy you leave behind.

Justice Starts Small

You don’t have to run a courtroom or draft legislation to practice justice. It starts in everyday life:

• A manager who gives credit where it’s due.

• A friend who speaks up when gossip turns ugly.

• A parent who listens with patience instead of brushing off feelings.

Even the way we spend our money can reflect justice—supporting businesses that treat employees fairly, giving to causes that bring equity to underserved communities, or simply tipping generously to someone who’s working hard.

And yes, even letting someone cut in front of you at the grocery store when they clearly only have two items and you have enough food to survive a zombie apocalypse—that’s justice too.

Your Moral GPS: Calibrated by Justice

Justice isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being accountable. It’s about asking:

• Am I treating people the way I want to be treated?

• Am I standing up for the right thing, even if it’s unpopular?

• Am I helping when I could easily stay quiet?

That’s why I wrote Moral Compass—to help people like you (and me) navigate these questions without losing direction. Life throws distractions, shortcuts, and temptations our way. Justice is one of the principles that keeps us grounded.

Let’s Make Fairness Trend Again

In a world that’s moving fast and sometimes feels off-balance, justice can seem like an old-fashioned value. But it’s exactly what we need more of—at work, at home, online, and everywhere in between.

So today, be the person who speaks up. Be the one who listens fairly. Be the one who treats others not just how they deserve, but how you would want to be treated if the tables were turned.

Because when justice becomes part of who you are, success follows—not just in your career, but in your character.

And that, my friend, is timeless.

Looking for more principles like this to guide your life and leadership? Check out my book Moral Compass—available now on Amazon—or explore more resources at www.Quest-Success.com. And hey—treat your inbox with justice too: subscribe to the blog, and share this post with someone who believes in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

Fairness isn’t outdated. It’s revolutionary.