--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is not good in itself; it is good only…" description: "\"“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 giv..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f65/aldous-huxley-97_quote_it-is-not-good-in-itself-it-is-good-only_985095.jpg" --- # 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.” quote by Aldous Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f65/aldous-huxley-97_quote_it-is-not-good-in-itself-it-is-good-only_985095.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f65/aldous-huxley-97_quote_it-is-not-good-in-itself-it-is-good-only_985095.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f65/aldous-huxley-97_quote_it-is-not-good-in-itself-it-is-good-only_985095.jpg) > ““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.”” [Aldous Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aldous-huxley/) ## 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Good Individuals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-individuals-732630/) [Organizations Precedence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/organizations-precedence-1981119/) [Persons Subordinate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persons-subordinate-1981120/) [Promotes Good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/promotes-good-1981122/) [Subordinate Ends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subordinate-ends-1981121/) ## Related quotes > [“To give organisations precedence over persons is to subordinate ends to means.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aldous-huxley/to-give-organisations-precedence-over-persons-is-to-subordinate-ends/) [Aldous Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aldous-huxley/) > [All important persons have about them someone in a subordinate position who has their ear. 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