“Is stealing a bag a crime, stealing a fortune an audacity, and stealing a throne a sign of greatness? Does the crime get bigger and the crime get smaller?” – Friedrich Schiller
When you or your child is hungry, what could be the price of stealing a slice of bread from the market? A lifelong stain on your record, unemployment, poverty, and hopelessness. You become a criminal, a pariah in the eyes of society. Meanwhile, another man might be considered a rapist, rob the state, evade taxes, rule by force, plunge the country into chaos, and still become the president of the greatest country in the world. In fact, some might even see these actions as heroic. He might fight for a second term to cover up his crimes, while the same people might offer propaganda promising hope to those suffering from hunger and despair.
How can we explain this contradiction? How is it possible for major transgressions to be forgiven and even rewarded while the punishment for a minor act to meet basic needs is so severe? Are the scales of justice tilted in favor of the powerful? Or have our moral values collapsed?
The actions of those in power are often judged through a different lens. Major crimes committed by influential people might be overlooked or even praised, with some labeling them as heroes or saviors. Remaining silent in the face of such injustices contributes to the erosion of our social values.
Do we have the common sense to recognize this discrepancy, or are we no different from sheep following the herd? History has seen such collapses many times, including in the country where I was born and raised. True common sense requires evaluating events and people impartially, without bias. A bit of thoughtful consideration is all it takes to understand the truth.
The Blind Eyes of Justice: The Irony of Themis
Themis is symbolized with her eyes closed, holding scales and a sword, representing impartiality and objectivity. However, this can also be a metaphor for not seeing the truth. In administering justice, Themis might be consciously choosing to ignore the truth, creating a contradiction with the concept of blind justice.
Today, some injustices and double standards in the justice system make us question whether Themis’s eyes are truly closed. Perhaps the blind eyes of justice are sometimes used to conceal justice’s own dark side.
Exploring the real meaning behind Themis’s closed eyes invites us to delve into the depths of justice. Considering this irony can help us understand the complexities and contradictions within justice itself. The blind eyes of justice might serve as a warning to better comprehend its inherent contradictions and complexities.
Socrates’ Question
Socrates compares society to a ship and asks:
“If you were to embark on a sea voyage, how would you like the command of the ship to be determined? By a random group of people or by those experienced, knowledgeable, and educated in sea voyages?”
Ademantus’s answer is clear and unequivocal: ” Of course, the latter! “
Socrates’ response is: “Then how can we think that any random group should be able to determine the administration of a country?”
Socrates highlights that voting requires “knowledge and consciousness.” According to him, voting should not be based on mere intuition but should be a conscious choice backed by knowledge.
In conclusion:
Is justice truly equal for everyone, or is it more accessible for some? On one side, a hungry voter; on the other, a populist seeking the presidency to cover up his crimes. Why are the scales of justice so tilted?
What is the greatest enemy of justice?
In my view, it is us. Our thoughts and choices. Reflect carefully and think deeply.
(The author of this article does not support any political group or party.)
