'Politics can be relatively fair in the breathing spaces of history; at its critical turning points there is no other rule possible than the old one, that the end justifies the means.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- At critical historical turning points, political necessity overrides standard rules.
- In plain terms
- In crises, the end justifies the means.
- What can you take from it?
- Urgency overrides ethics in politics.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When are means justified?
- Can ends ever justify means?
Another view
Ethics still matter even in crises.
More from Arthur Koestler
'Nothing is more sad than the death of an illusion.'
Permalink to quote #17 'Scientists are peeping toms at the keyhole of eternity.'
Permalink to quote #19 'The offspring in the marriage of Eros and Logos is tolerance'
Permalink to quote #16
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