A good End cannot sanctifie evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it. Some Folks think they may Scold, Rail, Hate, Rob and Kill too; so it be but for God's sake. But nothing in us unlike him, can please him. (537-539)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Evil means cannot justify a good end; doing harm for God's sake is unacceptable.
- In plain terms
- You cannot do evil things even if the goal is good.
- What can you take from it?
- The ends do not justify the means; goodness requires good actions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can good come from bad actions?
- What matters more: intent or result?
Another view
Some argue utilitarian outcomes matter more than specific actions.
More from William Penn
It were better to be of no Church, than to be bitter for any.(535)
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