Whose Right Is It Anyway?

Published on August 21,2025

Category : Philosophy / Reflections

Tags : perspective, morality, philosophy, right and wrong, reflections, ethics

"Right and wrong are the terms given by humankind to justify their own actions - actions that rise out of emotions, feelings and their sense of rightfulness. "

If stripped down, there really is no universal thing as right.

We throw the term 'right' and 'wrong' around so casually, but have you ever wondered who decided what counts as right in the first place?

In the eyes of society, right is what people agree upon, no matter the cost. Culturally, it’s what has been carried forward for decades—centuries, even. And if you don’t abide by those rules and conditions, suddenly you find yourself in the wrong. Legally, right is whatever the courts make of it. Follow the rules and you’re right. Break them and you’re wrong. But what really should matter is what is morally right—what you see fit as right.

Now, I’m not saying that society, culture, or laws are wrong. They just follow what’s ethically right. But sometimes they can be overwhelming and outdated. To make sure you’re not following them blindly, not being a sheep led by its herd no matter where it’s headed, you have to have your own perspective.

A perspective is what shapes a person—the questions they ask, the thoughts they carry. Of course, you’re shaped by the people you love, the situations you witness, the books you read, or the movies you watch. But most of all, you’re shaped by the characters and voices that leave their mark upon you. What you are is everything and everyone around you. And that’s why everyone has their own opinion, even if it’s influenced by society, culture, or law.

No two opinions are identical because no two lenses are. Everyone sees a situation differently. So when it comes to what’s right, there can be more than one answer. Sometimes all can be right because it’s all about perspective.

In Physics, Relative Motion explains this perfectly: the motion you see depends on where you’re standing. Apply that to life, and it means every person’s viewpoint is right from their position. Even if it looks wrong from another, perspective makes both true at once.

So maybe, the question was never what’s right, but rather, whose right do you live by? Or maybe, where do you stand when you judge someone’s right? And if all you’re doing is presenting a perspective, does it even matter if someone else labels it wrong? Maybe it will be wrong for them, but maybe it’s right for someone else too. And even if it isn’t, is silence any better?

So yes, there is no absolute right. Right is what you make it. And even if it isn’t right for others, is it worth wasting yourself trying to make them understand? Or are you brave enough to follow your right without seeking the validation of others’ sense of rightfulness?

Note -> Of course, perspective doesn't excuse harm - crimes and cruelty aren't justified by calling them "your truth".

-Varnika