Agents Quote by Robert Penn Warren
“Process as process is neither morally good nor morally bad. We may judge results but not process. The morally bad agent may perform the deed which is good. The morally good agent may perform the deed which is bad. Maybe a man has to sell his soul to get the power to do good.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Philosophy, Robert Penn Warren, 1965
Judgment should focus on outcomes, not the process; moral agents can produce good deeds through bad means and vice versa.
In simple terms: Assess results, not methods.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences over intentions.
Themes
ethics
consequentialism
moral ambiguity
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- business practices
- personal choices
Key Concepts
deontology
utilitarianism
intent vs outcome
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to use questionable means?
- Can good ends justify bad means?
A Different Perspective
Process matters in accountability; ignoring it can excuse harmful means.
![“[A]nd soon now we shall go out of the house and go into the convulsion of the world, out of history into history and the awful responsibility of Time.” quote by Robert Penn Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/857/robert-penn-warren-2118_awful_a-nd-soon-now-we-shall-go-out-of-the-hou_158285.jpg)
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
