Constitutional thinking
Evaluate decisions and policies against foundational principles rather than momentary convenience. Ginsburg always returned to the Constitution's promise of equal protection as her North Star.
Steps
Identify the foundational principles or values that govern your domain
When facing a decision, ask whether it is consistent with those principles — not just whether it is expedient
Write out your reasoning explicitly — if you cannot justify it on principle, reconsider
Apply the same standard to popular decisions as to unpopular ones
Revisit your foundational principles annually to ensure they still deserve your allegiance
Practitioners
Related Systemsin Purpose & Meaning
Virtue Cultivation
Practice building good character through daily habits of propriety, learning, and moral reflection. Confucius' lifelong path to becoming a person of integrity.
Categorical Imperative
Before any decision, ask: 'Could I will this to be a universal law?' Immanuel Kant's rigorous ethical framework for acting with moral consistency.
Moral Leadership
Lead by appealing to the highest moral ideals, not just practical interests. Martin Luther King Jr.'s framework for creating change through principled nonviolence.
Design Thinking Walk
Take long walks to think through design problems. Steve Jobs was famous for walking meetings and believed movement unlocked creative solutions.