---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sometimes the prize is not worth the…"
description: "\"Sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.\" — Brandon Sanderson"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93c/brandon-sanderson-112_achieve_sometimes-the-prize-is-not-worth-the-cos_3154481.jpg"
---

#  Sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by…

![“Sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.” quote by Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93c/brandon-sanderson-112_achieve_sometimes-the-prize-is-not-worth-the-cos_3154481.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93c/brandon-sanderson-112_achieve_sometimes-the-prize-is-not-worth-the-cos_3154481.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93c/brandon-sanderson-112_achieve_sometimes-the-prize-is-not-worth-the-cos_3154481.jpg)

> “Sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.”

[Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/)

## About This Quote

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

Victory achieved through unethical means loses its value; the process matters as much as the outcome.

**In simple terms:** Means matter as much as ends.

Key Takeaway

Choose ethical paths.

Themes

ethics victory costs

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- business negotiations
- sports competition
- political campaigns
- personal goals

Key Concepts

philosophy strategy integrity

Questions to Reflect On

- Are you willing to sacrifice integrity for success?
- What alternatives exist to achieve goals ethically?

A Different Perspective

Success at any cost can cause long‑term harm.

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[Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Prize](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prize/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Victory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/victory/)

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