Have you felt surge of anger witnessing someone throwing trash on the road from a moving vehicle? Or someone being treated unfairly or unjustly? You may have chosen to keep quiet about it or taken a stance.
This feeling of anger that stems from a belief in the importance of fairness and justice, and a desire to speak out against perceived injustices is known as “Righteous indignation”.
The word “righteous” means morally just or upright, and “indignation” refers to a strong feeling of anger or annoyance in response to something perceived as unfair or unjust. This emotion is characterized by a belief that one’s values are being violated, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world.
Bible refers to it as “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger”
In Bhagavad Gita (2.32) Sri Krishna tells Arjuna: “O Parth, happy are the warriors to whom such opportunities to defend righteousness come unsought, opening for them the stairway to the celestial abodes.”
Krishna proceeds to say that (4.8): “To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to re-establish the principles of dharma I appear on this earth, age after age.”
He follows this (4.42) “With the sword of knowledge, cut asunder the doubts that have arisen in your heart. O son establish yourself in Karm yog. Arise, stand up, and take action!”
He goes so far as to warn Arjuna (2.33): “If, however, you refuse to fight this righteous war, abandoning your social duty and reputation, you will certainly incur sin.”
The Greeks had a Goddess ‘Nemesis’, her name literally means righteous indignation, which was directed to those who have broken the laws of nature.
In religious traditions, righteous indignation is seen as a necessary emotion to be acted upon as a response to maintain justice and fairness.
It involves a complex interplay of cognitive and emotional processes, shaped by individual differences, moral beliefs and values, and the perceived severity of the injustice. While it can be a powerful motivator for positive change, it is important to manage this emotion in a way that is respectful and non-violent.
Let us explore what righteous indignation is not:
- Arrogance or Self-Righteousness: Arrogance involves a sense of superiority over others, while self-righteousness is characterized by a disregard for others’ perspectives. In contrast, righteous indignation involves a genuine concern for what is fair and just, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world.
- Uncontrolled Anger: Anger is a natural response to perceived injustices, but it can become problematic when it becomes excessive, irrational, or harmful. Righteous Indignation, on the other hand, is a more controlled and focused emotion that is driven by a sense of purpose
- Lack of Empathy: It involves a strong desire to right a perceived wrong, it is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
- Disrespectful Behavior: It is important to express righteous in a way that is respectful and non-violent, as aggressive or self-righteous behavior can detract from the message and alienate others.
Modern research has shown that when individuals perceive a situation as unfair or unjust, their moral emotions are activated leading to increased motivation to speak out against the perceived injustice.
Additionally, studies have also demonstrated that experiencing this emotion can improve well-being, as it provides individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning. For example, Mahatma Gandhi and Greta Thunberg turned anger into love for a collective cause which resulted in action which was peaceful.
Righteous Indignation is a mechanism to balance unfair circumstances and make the virtues practical. What is the point of theoretical knowledge when one cannot stand up for it. Most of the reforms have been brought by people who showed courage and acted on this emotion.
People may experience this emotion in response to inequality, racism, discrimination, gender rights, corruption, dishonesty, environmental issues, deforestation, climate change, animal rights, human rights violation and many more.
Fire can burn forests or can be used for cooking. The purpose of righteous indignation as a feeling is to harness this internal power to bring positive changes around us. It is a test of our character, courage, and morals. It is a driving force to bring the change and restore order.
Next time you see someone throwing garbage on the street, spitting in public, throwing small one-time-use plastic water bottle, emotionally abusing someone, watching pirated content or anything which does not match with the collective consciousness, values and beliefs, please speak up, take action, in a kind yet determined way.
This piece is inspired by the profound teacher GMCKS. Tremendous gratitude to him