Doe Quote by Robert Moses
“If the ends don't justify the means, then what does?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public policy lecture, 1960s
If ends don’t justify means, we must evaluate both outcomes and methods ethically.
In simple terms: Both results and methods matter.
Key Takeaway
Assess means as well as ends.
Themes
ethics
politics
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- business decisions
- personal choices
- activism
Key Concepts
Consequentialism
deontology
Questions to Reflect On
- What are acceptable means for a good end?
- Can harmful means ever be justified?
A Different Perspective
Means may be necessary but still problematic.
![“[It is] the most hideous waterfront structure ever inflicted on a city by a combination of architectural conceit and official bad taste. the Cathedral of Asphalt.” quote by Robert Moses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00a/robert-moses-32771_architecture_it-is-the-most-hideous-waterfront-struct_1429290.jpg)
