Explaining "The end justifies the means"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 04/10/2024, 00:09

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "The end justifies the means" means that if the outcome of an action is beneficial or desirable, then any method, including potentially unethical or immoral actions, used to achieve it can be considered acceptable.

Tone

This phrase often has a controversial or morally ambiguous tone, as it suggests that achieving a positive result can excuse the methods used, regardless of their ethical implications.

Origin

The idea is often associated with Niccolò Machiavelli, particularly through interpretations of his work "The Prince" from the 16th century, though he never explicitly used this exact wording.

Examples of usage

He believed that the end justifies the means, so he didn't mind bending the rules to reach his goals.
In politics, many argue that the end justifies the means, but this can lead to a slippery slope of unethical decisions.
She sacrificed her personal life for her career, thinking that the end justifies the means.