It is not good in itself; it is good only to the extent…
““It is not good in itself; it is good only to the extent that it promotes the good of the individuals who are the parts of the collective whole. To give organizations precedence over persons is to subordinate ends to means.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The value of an organization depends on how it serves individuals; putting the group before the person reduces human purpose to a tool.
In simple terms: Organizations should serve people, not dominate them.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize human welfare over institutional goals.
Themes
ethics
collectivism
individual rights
organizational theory
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- business leadership
- public policy
- community building
- nonprofit management
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
humanism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance group goals with personal autonomy?
- When does an organization become a means rather than an end?
A Different Perspective
If the collective truly benefits individuals, the tension lessens.