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Aim Quote by John le Carre

“I once heard someone say morality was method. Do you hold with that? I suppose you wouldn't. You would say that morality was vested in the aim, I expect. Difficult to know what one's aims are, that's the trouble, specially if you're British.” quote by John le Carre
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“I once heard someone say morality was method. Do you hold with that? I suppose you wouldn't. You would say that morality was vested in the aim, I expect. Difficult to know what one's aims are, that's the trouble, specially if you're British.”

John le Carre

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963

Morality is tied to purpose, but purpose is hard to discern, especially culturally.

In simple terms: Morality depends on unclear purpose.

Key Takeaway

Question your aims before judging morality.

Themes

ethics purpose culture

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political intrigue
  • personal decision making
  • cross‑cultural dialogue

Key Concepts

moral philosophy subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are your true aims?
  • How do cultural lenses shape morality?
A Different Perspective

Purpose can be ambiguous, making moral judgments unstable.

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