Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

If we don't reverse course now, will anyone take anything we say about justice and ___________ with any seriousness for decades to come?

righteousness

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is:

☀ righteousness

The sentence would read: "If we don't reverse course now, will anyone take anything we say about justice and righteousness with any seriousness for decades to come?"

Explanation: "Righteousness" refers to the quality of being morally upright and just. It fits well in the context of discussing matters of justice. The other options don't fit the context:

• Mediation: This refers to the process of resolving disputes, and it doesn't fit the context of discussing the credibility of statements about justice.

• Wickedness: This refers to being morally evil or wicked, and it doesn't fit the context of discussing statements about justice.

• Dishonesty: This refers to lack of honesty or integrity, and it doesn't fit the context of discussing statements about justice.