--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In the long run, you can never accomplish…" description: "\"In the long run, you can never accomplish a worthy end with an unworthy means.\" — Stephen Covey" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e0/stephen-covey-339_accomplish_in-the-long-run-you-can-never-accomplish_1854313.png" --- # In the long run, you can never accomplish a worthy end… ![“In the long run, you can never accomplish a worthy end with an unworthy means.” quote by Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e0/stephen-covey-339_accomplish_in-the-long-run-you-can-never-accomplish_1854313.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e0/stephen-covey-339_accomplish_in-the-long-run-you-can-never-accomplish_1854313.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e0/stephen-covey-339_accomplish_in-the-long-run-you-can-never-accomplish_1854313.png) > “In the long run, you can never accomplish a worthy end with an unworthy means.” [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Achieving valuable goals requires ethical methods; success built on bad tactics is hollow. **In simple terms:** Good ends need good means. Key Takeaway Choose ethical methods. Themes ethics integrity leadership Mood thoughtful serious Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - business decisions - personal goals - political campaigns - social movements Key Concepts moral philosophy means‑ends theory Questions to Reflect On - Are your tactics aligned with your values? - What costs arise from compromising ethics? A Different Perspective Unethical means may produce short‑term gains but damage reputation and trust. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Long runs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-runs/) [Running](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/running/) [Social justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-justice/) ## Related quotes > [Knowledge has no value except that which can be gained from its application toward some worthy end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/knowledge-has-no-value-except-that-which-can-be-gained-from-its/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [The test for aid to poor nations is therefore whether it makes them capable of being productive. 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S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [I don't think telling the truth ever gets anyone in trouble in the long run. 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Inexpedient. 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It's the principle of sequencing: Private Victories proceed Public Victories. 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True effectiveness requires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/many-people-seem-to-think-that-success-in-one-area-can-compensate-for/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) [Explore all 663 Stephen Covey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## More Accomplish quotes > [Learn to see the big picture. Often times we get tunnel vision and lose sight of the big picture and what we're really trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/learn-to-see-the-big-picture-often-times-we-get-tunnel-vision-and/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [You know, by the time you reach my age, you've made plenty of mistakes if you've lived your life properly. So you learn. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/you-know-by-the-time-you-reach-my-age-you-ve-made-plenty-of-mistakes/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [I work every day. 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