Ends Quote by Saint Augustine
“Indifferent acts are judged by their ends sins are judged by themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: City of God, Book 1, 426 AD
Actions are evaluated by their outcomes, but sins are inherently wrong regardless of results.
In simple terms: Ends judge deeds; sins are wrong alone.
Key Takeaway
Judge actions by results, not just intent.
Themes
morality
consequences
sin
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- policy making
- moral education
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess an action with unknown results?
- Can a good outcome justify a bad means?
A Different Perspective
Not all sins have clear outcomes, making judgment ambiguous.
