Be overcome by justice

Delphic maxim number five is: Be overcome by justice (Ηττω υπο δικαιου).

The phrasing of this one stops me in my tracks. How in the world are we to be overcome by justice? Overcome is a word that I associate with overwhelmed; be overwhelmed by justice. Be completely covered in justice. Be brought to your knees by justice. Just what does that mean?

I can see how culturally, socially, institutionally we as an entity could stand to be overcome by justice. But what does this look like as an individual?

Justice means fair, right, reasonable, equable. Don’t I already practice those things? I try. But am I overcome by justice? What would it look like if I was?

This is a post filled more with questions than insights. I’d like to think I’m practicing justice – social, legal, environmental – as much as I am able. But I doubt that I am overcome. This post is a good reminder to think more on what this means and how I can be act as a force for justice in this world, act for what is right, reasonable, fair, and all things equitable.

What does this maxim mean to you?