If you were God and wanted to create a fair world, what could you have done differently?

Existentialist philosophers like Camus argue that life is absurd and inherently meaningless, implying a lack of fairness. Nietzsche suggests that fairness is a human construct imposed on an indifferent world. Similarly, Tolstoy viewed the world as absurd, citing glaring inequalities and a lack of justice. He believed that the absence of meaning in existence, compounded by the inevitability of death, underscored life’s absurdity. According to Tolstoy, people respond to this absurdity in three primary ways:

1.     Ignoring the Absurd:
Some choose to live their lives without dwelling on existential thoughts, focusing instead on daily routines.

2.     Seeking Pleasure:
Others immerse themselves in pleasure-seeking activities to numb their minds and avoid deep reflections. However, Tolstoy believed this group is trapped in a perpetual cycle of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, enslaved by the nihilistic view that life has no meaning or purpose and they are living the life to the fullest by filling it with moments of pleasure.

3.     Relying on Faith:
A third group turns to faith, viewing this life as a temporary stage before reaching a fairer afterlife. They perceive this world as a place of sacrifice, where perceived injustices are rectified either by divine will or in the hereafter. For some, this belief is tied to God’s intervention; for others, it aligns with concepts like karma, which establishes universal fairness.

4.     A New Approach:
Tolstoy proposed a fourth way; acknowledging life’s absurdity while finding meaning in belief in the infinite nature of God and dedicating oneself to helping others achieve happiness. He argued that this path enables one to endure life’s inherent absurdity.

The ancient Persian poet Khayyam strongly aligns with Tolstoy’s second approach. Through his verses, Khayyam has captivated audiences, encouraging them to embrace wine, love, and living in the moment as a means to numb the mind and escape existential concerns:

" For a while as children, we sought to learn,
For a while as masters, in pride we did burn.
Hear now the conclusion of all that we earned:
From dust we arose, and to dust we return."

If the World Is a Fair Place,
What Are the Nuts and Bolts of This Fairness?

If you believe this world is not a fair place, you are in good company. In our study conducted across Orange County, California; Panama; and Iran, nearly 80% of participants expressed the belief that the world is inherently unfair. This essay explores whether the structure of the world might support the possibility of inherent fairness and examines how contemplating fairness through the lens of happiness could offer new insights. It does not aim to prove that the world is fair but rather considers whether fairness might exist in subtle or overlooked forms. Moreover, the idea of fairness as synonymous with the notion that "we get what we deserve" remains open to interpretation.

Foundations of Fairness in the World

1.     Causality as a Pillar of Fairness:
Causality governs actions, establishing a foundation of fairness where every action has a consequence, and every effort yields a result. While events may seem like isolated snapshots, they are, in fact, the culmination of interconnected actions, reactions, and countless subtle events that lead to a noticeable outcome. It is a reasonable and fair assumption that no one possesses the power to transcend the universal law of cause and effect.

2.     Subjectivity of Good and Bad:
The interpretation of events as good or bad is inherently subjective. People assign value to events based on their beliefs, culture, and experiences. What seems unfair to one person may appear just to another. Moreover, perspectives can shift over time—what once seemed like a misfortune may later be viewed as a blessing in disguise. Thus, labeling events as unfair is often a reflection of personal perception rather than objective reality.

3.     Limited Knowledge of Events:
Our understanding of events is often incomplete. While judgment is natural, acknowledging the limits of our knowledge raises doubts about the rendering the judgment of fairness of situations that we do not have a full knowledge of its dimensions.

4.     The Web of Relationships:
Life exists within a network of interconnected relationships. Just as one derives happiness from the well-being of loved ones and those within close proximity in this network, one can also experience suffering through the misfortunes of others, creating a collective sorrow. The suffering of an individual often impacts many others, generating ripple effects that can reveal a broader context of one person's rewards or reprimands. Viewing an individual within this larger picture may help connect the dots, offering deeper insights into interpreting the fairness of an event.

5.     The Fallacy of “More is Better”:
Happiness often lies in balance rather than abundance. The concept of satiety in various aspects of life reduces the appetite for seeking "more," allowing for a fairer distribution of opportunities without excessive competition. Excess—whether in wealth, fame, or power—frequently results in unintended drawbacks. A world founded on the principle of moderation is more likely to create a level playing field for achieving happiness. However, the relentless pursuit of abundance, amplified by the influence of media in the hope of attaining fulfillment and contentment, undermines both fairness and genuine happiness.

6.     The Role of Randomness:
Life’s randomness, much like a game of snakes and ladders, underscores its inherent unpredictability. While random changes in life’s circumstances may not align with conventional notions of fairness, the universal and impartial nature of randomness offers its own foundation for fairness. This unpredictability also highlights life’s impermanence, leaving open the possibility of drastic shifts in the status quo toward a fairer outcome. Moreover, life’s unpredictability fosters hope for a better status and perpetual gratitude to keep the status quo—both essential ingredients for happiness.

7.     The Paradox of "You Can’t Have an Apple and Eat It":
When it comes to living entities, the saying "you can’t have an apple and eat it" loses its relevance. Those who avoid exercise cannot maintain their body’s shape and strength, while those who engage in regular physical activity not only avoid wear and tear but also enhance their body’s strength and durability. Similarly, individuals who neglect their memory gradually lose their ability to recall, whereas those who actively use their mental faculties can delay memory loss and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Regardless of social status or the necessity (or lack thereof) of physical or mental engagement, everyone faces the risk of losing these functions if they forgo activity. It seems the system is delicately designed to encourage engagement in physical and mental activitieis ensure that even those who might not need to engage in physical or mental activities must do so to preserve their capabilities.

8.     Perception of Achievements:
What others view as success may hold little value for the individual. Attributes deemed desirable by society might be unimportant or even burdensome to the person possessing them. For instance, individuals who outwardly appear to have achieved everything may still feel deeply dissatisfied, as evidenced by cases of those in high status who tragically take their own lives. This subjectivity underscores the complexity of assessing fairness based on external markers.

9.        The Value of Effort:
Nothing truly meaningful comes easily. Significant achievements typically require effort and sacrifice, which makes them more rewarding. Conversely, things that come effortlessly are often less valued, creating a level playing field for the pursuit of fulfillment. This design seems to reward active participation in life, reinforcing the value of effort as essential for sustaining both physical and mental well-being.

10.  Aging and Death as Equalizers:
Aging and death are universal and inescapable, affecting all living beings equally. Death is not a sudden event but rather the culmination of a gradual and well-orchestrated process—aging—that begins at inception. This lifelong journey diminishes the appetite for survival, gently preparing individuals to accept life’s end. This inevitability equalizes everyone, regardless of their social or economic status, and underscores the value of time, making it life’s most precious resource. Without death, life itself would lose its meaning. A friend once remarked, “If I were God, I would ensure everyone starts at the same line in life, like a race with equal head starts.” To this, I would respond that while starting points may vary, death ultimately serves as the same finish line for all.

11.  Adjusting Expectations:
A recent encounter with a patient beautifully illustrated this concept. A young teacher, who had lost her ability to speak due to complications from radiation treatment for a brain tumor four years ago, communicated using a small whiteboard. When I reassured her about her recent abnormal imaging, she expressed her gratitude by writing "thank you" on her board ten times. Despite her significant limitations, her gratitude and happiness were evident, even during that brief interaction. Her ability to adjust her expectations allowed her to find joy, reinforcing the idea that happiness can serve as a token to compensate for life’s imperfections and challenges.

12.  Happiness Through Others:
True happiness often arises from shared well-being. Regardless of one’s social, physical, or monetary status, personal joy is deeply connected to the happiness of others. This interconnectedness fosters an intrinsic sense of responsibility for individuals to contribute to the happiness of those around them. By tying one’s well-being to the well-being of others, this principle acts as a safeguard, encouraging individuals to fulfill their roles in establishing and maintaining universal happiness. In this way, it becomes an unseen force working toward universal fairness.

13.  Happiness Beyond Zero-Sum:
Happiness does not follow a zero-sum model. One person’s joy does not require another’s loss. Instead, win-win scenarios often lead to the most fulfilling experiences, reinforcing fairness in life’s design.

Conclusion

Equality is an objective concept, while fairness is inherently subjective, shaped by individual perspectives. The reasoning outlined here does not aim to prove that the world is inherently fair; rather, it lays the groundwork for envisioning a fairer world, should one choose to adopt that viewpoint. This essay proposes that fairness might exist in ways that are not immediately obvious, particularly when examined through the lens of happiness. While the world may not accommodate absolute equality, it can still be perceived as fair in certain respects. This perception is especially relevant in the context of happiness, which acts as a balancing token, mitigating the imperfections of the world and restoring a sense of universal fairness.

Some may question the value of believing in fairness, arguing that such a belief would not alter external circumstances. Indeed, our belief in the fairness of the world cannot change the reality outside ourselves. Yet, such a belief profoundly influences one’s attitude, fostering contentment and enhancing individual happiness. In this sense, the world may not be absurd after all—it is a place worth living. Our study found that individuals who believe the world is a fair place report higher overall levels of happiness. Therefore, revisiting our attitude toward fairness in the world may not change external reality, but it has the power to transform our inner world into a happier and more fulfilling place.

Other factors in the search for meaning in life can also be reinterpreted through this perspective. For example, death, rather than being a limiting factor, serves as a poignant reminder to treasure time as life’s most valuable asset. While life inevitably ends, this does not render it meaningless. Even when we are no longer active participants on its stage, our influence persists. The relationships we build and the lives we touch endure, affirming the profound interconnectedness of existence and extending our impact far beyond our time.