A Compass or an Illusion?

A human being is capable of empathy. We can feel for one another, care, protect, and share. And we’re not alone in that — animals like elephants, dolphins, and bonobos show signs of communal care and mourning.

But once we introduce the human-made concept of justice, things become complicated.

In a world increasingly driven by individualism, competition, and survival-of-the-fittest mentalities, justice becomes more than just an ideal — it becomes a source of frustration. We crave fairness, but live in systems that reward ego, power, and self-interest. And we ask ourselves:
Is this world unjust — or are our expectations misaligned with how human societies actually function?

Justice vs. Human Nature

Justice assumes a level playing field — one where empathy, equality, and dignity guide our interactions. But human nature is wired for self-preservation, shaped by our environment, culture, and nervous systems that prioritize short-term safety over collective thriving.

We are not born inherently fair or unfair. We are born with potential — and that potential unfolds in relationship to our environment.
This brings us to the old debate: nature vs. nurture. Or more aptly: nature through nurture.

A Systemic View: Clare Graves & Spiral Dynamics

Psychologist Clare Graves and the framework of Spiral Dynamics teach us that human values evolve through developmental stages. These stages reflect shifting priorities:

• Survival & safety (Beige/Red)
• Tribal belonging (Purple)
• Power & dominance (Red)
• Order & structure (Blue)
• Achievement & competition (Orange)
• Empathy & egalitarianism (Green)
• …and so on.

Each value system has its own logic — and its own blind spots. Justice from a “Green” worldview (based on empathy and inclusion) will clash with “Orange” (focused on individual success) or “Red” (dominated by power).

This means: we often speak different ethical languages without knowing it.

Is Justice Unrealistic?

Perhaps the greatest irony is this:
The more we idealize justice, the more we suffer from its absence.

This doesn’t mean we should abandon it. It means we must see justice not as a static truth, but as a directional compass. A way to orient ourselves toward deeper humanity — even in a world not yet ready to fully embody it.

From Competition to Collaboration

True justice won’t be achieved by fixing laws alone, or punishing wrongdoers more harshly. It requires a shift from “me against the world” to “we are part of something larger.”

Justice must become an inner practice, not just an external demand. It means:

• Practicing empathy even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Understanding that others live in different value systems.
• And choosing to collaborate instead of dominate.

In doing so, we move from individualism to co-creation. From blind judgment to mutual recognition. From punishment to restorative action.

Final Reflection

What if justice was never meant to be guaranteed —
but rather, a daily act of courage in a still-unequal world?

What if justice is not a destination, but a question we must keep asking — together?

Govert van Ginkel

This article is written by Govert van Ginkel. Govert specializes in Nonviolent and Effective Communication and is active in this field as a trainer, speaker, coach, and mediator. More information about Govert can be found here. The current training offer can be found here