The end justifies the means. Let us delve into what this adage means. When one refers to the means they have taken — they are simply stating the kind of instruments or equipment they have used to accomplish something. As to the methods they have applied, it simply means what techniques or procedures they used to accomplish an end.

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> Are we justified in achieving a goal by using any available means or method, provided we believe the end result to be good or wholesome? To achieve an important goal, some people would execute any method, even a morally bad one, just to get their desired result. Hence, the saying “the end justifies the means” accords them a feeling of being right in doing anything to get to their objective. Ignoring whoever may be hurt or affected is not a concern as long as they achieve their heart’s desire.

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> The end result gives them justification for what they have done. They excuse their actions as okay, acceptable, just, the only way to accomplish the goal, taking matters into their own hands and believing what they are doing is right. And how they approached the matter is the only way they can achieve the end result.

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> Sadly, the person affected — even when the end result is good — could not in any way appreciate it. The hurt is overpowering. The means or methods are mean, hurtful, disrespectful, arrogant and selfish. Even when the end is good, we must still respect everything else, especially if a person’s right is going to be affected. When a person says the ends justify the means, they are saying that if the end result is noble enough, it will justify whatever measures are taken to achieve that goal.

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> Rationalizing any action if the motivation for the goal is strong enough is how others tend to excuse such behavior. Such conduct is exactly why the ends cannot justify the means. This kind of approach is a recipe for complete chaos. Its logical outcome is that each person, or group of people, decree what is right from wrong based on the situation.

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> One tends to believe, or better yet, probably convinces oneself, that their methods of getting their goal become reality give them a sense of being in the right. They believe their actions are a big help. If that is the case, why is the person affected hurting so much? Why do the means result in disharmony, fights and hurt that would not go away? No matter how many so-called apologies are uttered, the one who is hurting seems to be stuck in a rut.

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> One cannot help but think the apologies are half-hearted. It is like, “I’ll do this my way even though I know it will hurt so and so and I will apologize later. What is done is done. At least I had my way. I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish. What I did is for everyone’s good. My motive is good.”

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> Do not underestimate people’s intelligence. They can smell sincerity and genuineness under their nose. Do think twice, when what you are about to do will affect another human being or will disrespect, hurt or make that person unimportant. Be careful that you do not make them feel that they do not matter.

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> Whatever you need to do, if the result is not harmonious or peaceful, do not pursue it. We need to be mindful of our actions, means and methods no matter how much we desire the end result. Always thinking who will be affected by our actions, let us be willing to give up our desires for the sake of harmony and peace.