Justified Quote by Lesley Kagen
““His mean justified his end.””
About This Quote
A person's harsh actions can be justified by a noble purpose, but the morality remains ambiguous.
In simple terms: Bad deeds may be rationalized by good ends.
Key Takeaway
Question the ethics of means versus ends.
Themes
morality
justification
consequences
Mood
thoughtful
conflicted
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- personal sacrifices
- war strategies
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
utilitarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever acceptable to commit harm for a greater good?
- How do we evaluate the true cost of such actions?
A Different Perspective
The ends may not always excuse the means.
![“[T]he end cannot justify the means; but if there are no other means, and the end is necessary...” quote by James Blish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/26d/james-blish-32447_quote_t-he-end-cannot-justify-the-means-but-if_947228.jpg)
![“...[Joseph] and the Virgin Mary got turned away from the inn and had to go sleep in the manger. (Not with the manager, like Troo says.)” quote by Lesley Kagen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c05/lesley-kagen-21996_management_joseph-and-the-virgin-mary-got-turned-aw_203044.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
