Jun
Fairness
Treat each person fairly, whether you like him or not.
That statement pretty much states the essence of human relationships for Heathens. It is a practical ideal. Most of us have no trouble being fair to others. We can do it with very little strain. However, we need to understand just what we mean by “fair.” We take each person on his own merits. In dealing fairly with others, we realize that we must first be fair to ourselves and our loved ones. Fairness is not an absolute. In the balance of things, there may be times when being fair to a loved one may require being less fair to a stranger.
Each person is taken on his own merits. What might be fair for dealing with a customer would be unwise when dealing with a known criminal. Our fairness has to adjust for the situation. Our statement is an ideal, not a rigid rule. There will be times when a situation demands something other than absolute fairness. The idea is to offer a degree of fairness that fits the person and situation.
Dislike is not enough to justify unfair treatment of another. We all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to others. Perhaps you do not like someone personally, or you do not like a person’s politics, religion, affiliations, preferences or ethnicity. That happens. However, it is the mark of one’s integrity to be fair regardless of dislikes. You do not have to befriend every person you meet. All you need do it be fair.
There have been recommendations from outside sources to “love everyone” and extend goodwill to all. We know that these ideals are not only impossible, but flawed. Fairness is an attainable ideal that has practical results. Fairness breeds trust and respect. A fair-minded person gains the respect of both friends and opponents. Indeed, fairness can be the doorway to a good reputation.
Nobody is perfect and nobody expects perfect fairness all the time. This is an ideal. We need to work at it. Like all ideals, it is a growing thing. Each is us becomes more fair minded through time and effort. Let us start today, then!
