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About this quote

What does it mean?
Smith suggests people justify unethical choices by focusing on the rewards.
In plain terms
Many compromise their values but tell themselves it was worth it.
What can you take from it?
Compromising ethics is common if the payoff is good.

Where it applies

  • business decisions
  • career choices
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • evaluating trade-offs
  • maintaining integrity
  • reflecting on actions

Questions to consider

  • When did you compromise?
  • What justifies your choices?

Another view

Some believe outcomes matter more than methods.

More from Logan Pearsall Smith

  1. All Reformers, however strict their social conscience, live in houses just as big as they can pay for.

    Permalink to quote #14
  2. When they come downstairs from their Ivory Towers, Idealists are very apt to walk straight into the gutter.

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. How can they say my life is not a success? Have I not for more than sixty years got enough to eat and escaped being eaten?

    Permalink to quote #13

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