Life is full of so many interesting choices that can either be difficult or easy. These choices can either make a person or break him or her. The topic "The ends do not justify the means" is a believe that I have meaning that achieving a good outcome does not make it acceptable to use an unethical or immoral method(s) just to get there and I want to clear the air on the fact that how you accomplish something matters just as much as the outcome itself. Hope you see some sense in this post as we proceed. 馃馃
I am sure you have also heard of a principle that justifies the method aslong as the result is good (the greater good).
We also make this mistake in the sense of making money and achieving our dream. There is a common slogan for the youths in my country right now and it has taken wave which is "every way nah way" meaning you should anything possible just to make it and be at the top. My choice of discussion for today is not to point fingers at people but to make them see clearly show that how you accomplish something matters just as much as the outcome itself.
Well, no problem let's find out if we should push 馃 out ethics and morals just because we want to achieve a result.
My mum always told me something and I am sure most of our parents have also said same while growing up. She always told me to "always remember your roots" and "a good name is better than riches". Even the Bible says, "what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul"
The world in this our context is whatever you are chasing and the soul can mean your integrity, morals, and in some cases, the soul.
DANGERS of neglecting morals;
When we accept that the ends can justify the means, we are starting a mindset that means everything and anything goes. Actions that were normally viewed as wrong, such as lying, cheating, or harming others etc, will now be considered as accepted if the result is for the greaer good.
For instance, a political aspirant might justify the use of propaganda, censorship, or even violence in order to win an election because he believes he can fix the crises of the nation compared to his oppositions. While such tactics may work and since it is for a greater good, in the long run they have to please those that put them in the office and might lose track of his WHY. If the masses eventually finds out, it can remove trust, and the moral standards because others will say if so so can do it , why shouldn't I also. When we consider results over principles, we risk losing our soul.
The benefit(s) of putting integrity can not be overemphasized.
One thing I love so much is my peace of mind. If I have done what others are doing to make money illegally, I won't be confident while passing any police checkpoint because of fear of being caught. Same as a man who stole to acquire his riches or a fraud or maybe someone that terrorised the weak just to gain power. Do you think that such person will be free to walk with the masses?
In our personal life, following this principle helps maintain integrity in relationships and decision-making. Citing a past president of my country Goodluck Jonathan. He had every power to rule against the results but he let it be, not because he was weak and fearful but because of his integrity and the way he views life and now, he is recognized amongst nations and within the citizens that stood against him.
Also, a student who refuses to cheat on an exam, even though doing so might ensure a passing grade, demonstrates the importance of honesty and personal integrity over success. Will be able to stand and defend that result.
As I conclude, you might be tagged unsmart, unwise, dumb, weak just because you have refused to compromise your integrity and do what others are doing but one thing you should always bear in mind is that people are watching and remember, a good name is far better than riches. Even if you don't reap it, trust me, you children will .
If this post agrees with you, do leave a comment and if you feel otherwise, I will love to hear your point of view in the comments. Thanks 馃憤
