Breathing Quote by Arthur Koestler
“Politics can be relatively fair in the breathing spaces of history; at its critical turning points there is no other rule possible than the old one, that the end justifies the means.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Sleepwalkers” (1941)
At pivotal historical moments, moral rules collapse, and the principle that ends justify means dominates, highlighting ethical ambiguity in politics.
In simple terms: Ends justify means in crises.
Key Takeaway
Question moral compromises.
Themes
politics
ethics
history
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- War
- revolution
- policy decisions
- leadership crises
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
power dynamics
critical junctures
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to compromise ethics?
- How can societies prevent abuse of this principle?
A Different Perspective
Risk of justifying atrocities.
