A Better Citizen

“When asked where he was from, he said 'I am a world-citizen.'” (ἐρωτηθεὶς πόθεν εἴη, “κοσμοπολίτης,” ἔφη. Diogenes Laertius, 6.63, on Diogenes the Cynic, 4th Century BCE)

“Have I done something for the common good? Then I share in the benefits.” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 11.4)

I've been all "eyes and ears" the last few hours as I delve into a new life experience that could easily carry on through the entire week. And I am ready to learn. 

At first all I could hear from others were groans and complaints from others who have done this already, but I've also gathered plenty of good advice so I've been prepared. Truthfully, there is a side of this experience that no person should ever have to endure--it's hard, to be sure; however, due to the consequences of human nature run amok and the function of law, the task is necessary. 

Jury Duty seems like a heavy burden and an inconvenience and an imposition to the citizenship of others. But it's not. We have the opportunity to contribute as a citizen by performing our service, by doing our duty. On one hand, the benefits we receive are not monetary nor do they contribute any status. On the other hand, the benefits are seen in our contribution to common good by spending a few mere hours every so many years (if ever again) to stop, step out of our routine and think about hard stuff with other folks.

Watching and listening, I've surmised that many fellow citizens are disturbed by the process simply because (among other reasons) they don't want to be responsible, feel responsible. Everyone has plans and the process has interrupted. But think of this: if a crime has been committed, what about the victims? Whose inconvenience is greater? Yours or theirs? What of the responsibilities that follow a possible crime committed? We communicate by our participation that we are concerned citizens. 

I'm going into this as a learning experience. I want to be a better citizen. 

This is the part of self-cultivation that is not self-centered. We don't withdraw to learn more about ourselves but dive in with others, over our head into tough issues. There we discover more about ourselves, what kind of person we really are. And what we (individually) may need to fix to be a better citizen. 

A better person. 

After all, folks have to live with you (and me) as much as you (and I) live with them.