Ends Quote by Leon Trotsky
“A means can be justified only by its end. But the end in its turn needs to be justified.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Theory of Revolution, 1930
Means are justified only if the ends are justified, and ends must also be justified.
In simple terms: Means and ends must both be justified.
Question the morality of actions and goals.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- activism
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Are your means truly aligned with your ends?
- How do you evaluate the justification of an end?
Ends can be rationalized after the fact.