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The principle that the end justifies the means is and…

“The principle that the end justifies the means is and remains the only rule of political ethics; anything else is just a vague chatter and melts away between one’s fingers.” quote by Arthur Koestler
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“The principle that the end justifies the means is and remains the only rule of political ethics; anything else is just a vague chatter and melts away between one’s fingers.”

Arthur Koestler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The end‑justifies‑the‑means is the sole rule of political ethics; other ideas are vague and dissolve.

In simple terms: Ends justify means as sole political rule.

Key Takeaway

Question the morality of means‑based ethics.

Themes

ethics politics utilitarianism

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • activism
  • leadership

Key Concepts

moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When are means unacceptable?
  • How to balance ends and means?
A Different Perspective

Overlooks moral constraints.

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