Freedom vs. Justice: The Real Battle Shaping Our World (and How to Choose Sides Wisely)

Why Balancing Liberty and Fairness Is the Challenge of Our Time

Liberty and justice—two words that inspire revolutions, fuel political debates, and shape the laws we live by. But what happens when your freedom collides with someone else’s right to fairness? Simon Blackburn’s ‘Being Good’ dives deep into this timeless struggle, offering fresh insight and practical wisdom for anyone who cares about the future of society.

Blackburn distinguishes between negative liberty (freedom from interference) and positive liberty (the power to act), and warns that both are necessary for a just society. He also explores the problem of ‘rights inflation’—the tendency to label every demand as a right, which can make it harder to resolve genuine conflicts. Through examples from law, politics, and everyday life, Blackburn shows how societies can (and must) balance the dignity of individuals with the needs of the many.

He urges readers not to see freedom and justice as rivals, but as partners in the ongoing project of building a better world. The key, he suggests, is dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to see through others’ eyes. In a world divided by politics and ideology, Blackburn’s message is more relevant than ever: only by working together can we create a society that is both free and fair.