โRighteous indignation is a mean between envy and spite; it feels pain at undeserved good fortune.โโ
โ Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, Chapter 7
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
๐ Core Idea
Ethical emotions are like a social media algorithm โ envy (๐) and spite (๐) are toxic extremes, while โrighteous indignation acts as the justice-seeking filter. Itโs the pain you feel when influencers fake success, pushing you to demand authenticity over schadenfreude.
โ Why This Matters Today
๐ โClassroom Scenario
Envy: “Why does she get Aโs without studying?”
Spite: “Iโll leak her secrets to ruin her!”
Righteous Path: Report actual cheating โ advocate for fair grading โ become โethical whistleblower.
๐ฑ โInstagram Ethics Lab
Envy: “I hate her perfect vacation posts!”
Spite: “Comment fake rumors to crash her likes.”
Righteous Path: Expose photoshopped ads โ promote #RealLife hashtag โ build โdigital integrity.
๐ โClimate Action Balance
Envy: “Why do polluters get rich?”
Spite: “Vandalize their offices uselessly.”
Righteous Path: Document violations scientifically โ push policy changes โ become โeco-justice guardian.
๐ Action Steps
- โEmotion Spectrum Journal
Daily log:
“Situation: ______ โ Envy Level (1-10): ______ โ Spite Urge (1-10): ______ โ Righteous Action: ______” - โRole-Play Challenge
Week 1: Act out 3 envy/spite scenarios
Week 2: Rewrite endings with โrighteous solutions - โJustice Debate Club
Form 4-person groups โ discuss monthly:
“Was K-pop fan wars righteous criticism or toxic spite?”