"Es justo dar a cada hombre lo que le corresponde."

Giving every person what they deserve is at the core of the quote. It's all about fairness and justice—treating people with the respect and recognition that they have earned. If someone has worked hard, they should be rewarded. If someone has done wrong, there should be consequences. It's a simple concept but one that gets to the heart of how we should interact with others.

The idea of giving each person their due has been around for ages. Think about ancient philosophers like Aristotle. He believed in the concept of distributive justice, where benefits and burdens should be distributed fairly among members of a community. He argued that people should get what they deserve based on their contributions and needs. This quote taps into that age-old wisdom about fairness and justice.

Now, let’s bring this idea to life with a real-world example. Imagine a small company where the employees have been working their tails off to meet a big deadline. They’ve put in late nights and weekends. The project goes off without a hitch, and the client is thrilled. Now, the company’s leadership has a choice. They can either acknowledge the hard work of their employees—maybe with bonuses, extra time off, or even just a heartfelt thank you—or they can move on as if nothing special happened. If they choose the latter, the employees might feel undervalued and unappreciated. This could lead to decreased morale and productivity. But if they choose the former, they are giving their employees their due. This not only boosts morale but also fosters loyalty and a positive work environment.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by paying attention. Notice the efforts and contributions of those around you. Whether it’s a coworker, friend, or family member—acknowledge what they’ve done. It doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes a simple thank you or a small token of appreciation can go a long way. And don’t forget about accountability. If someone has made a mistake or done something wrong, address it fairly and constructively. It’s about balance—giving praise where it’s due and constructive feedback when necessary.

Think about a time when you felt overlooked. Maybe you stayed late to help a friend move, and they didn’t even acknowledge your effort with a thank you. How did that make you feel? Probably pretty crummy, right? Now flip the script. Imagine you’re the one noticing someone else's hard work. Maybe your colleague stayed late to finish a report. Acknowledge their effort. It doesn’t have to be a big deal—a quick “Hey, thanks for doing that” can make someone’s day.

In the end, it’s all about treating people fairly and with respect. We all want to feel valued and recognized. When we give each person their due, we create a more positive, supportive environment—whether at work, at home, or in our communities. So next time you see someone doing something great, don’t hesitate to acknowledge it. And if you see room for improvement, give that feedback too. It’s all part of the balance.