How the Ends Justify the Means Essay

Everyone has goals. Some people believe in order to attain a certain goal that it is acceptable to do things that are iniquitous. This whitethorn cause one to wonder if the actions taken to reach such a goal will be value it. I am going to discuss some different situations that may or may not have a worthy ending, including any means it might take to reach goals such as gaining power, maintaining authority and gaining a title. Ill also go over what some of the difficulties are in exploitation tactics that may be categorized as unfair or even bad. Are immoral actions ever an acceptable way to achieve a goal? Machiavelli insists that it is not solo acceptable, but a necessary means of gaining and maintaining power if that were the goal one wished to achieve. I do believe, however, that doing so may try to be much difficult than imagined. I say this because anyone who is trying to create or keep an reckon would want to appear moral even through actions that when looked at separa tely may not seem so.One cannot, in my opinion, be greedy while simultaneously appearing generous. There must be a middle ground a place that is at either one absolute or the other, but rather a balance of the two extremes.1 For example, Machiavelli states With time he will come to be considered more generous once it is evident that, as a result of his parsimony, his income is sufficient (43). Therefore, one may seem generous without actually giving up anything, as long as nothing is macrocosm taken. There is no consume to give up all to be generous. Nor is there a need to take all from others to maintain wealth. Is the perception of cosmos cruel to be preferred over that of being merciful? Yes, with cruelty comes business organisation of consequences. Those who are afraid of repercussions are less wish wellly to rebel. Just like Scipio, who was overthrown in Spain just because he showed too much compassion (Machiavelli 47). Too much mercy or compassion is likely to do nothin g more than put a figurative target on ones back. To avoid being overthrown, Scipio should have instilled a certain level of fear in those who lacked discipline.Those under him had no fear in acting upon the envy they had for such power. The fear and discipline take is comparable to modern day prisons. For instance, if Jack the prison guard acted as though he was more of a friend to the prisoners, they would not fear him and would be constantly looking for ways to undermine his authority. On the contrary, if Jack were throwing prisoners into segregation for small things such as not having their beds made, the prisoners would have a greater fear of the consequences for other offenses.2 This also may be a difficult medium to attain because one wouldnt want to take the authority aspect to a level where it would only create anger and insolence rather than the desired fear and respect.Straying from a promise is another thing that is perceived to be immoral, but is sometimes necessary g ain a desired title. It is necessary to know how to disguise the humankind nature of being a hypocrite and a liar because the people that are being be to will be so wrapped up in themselves that they will actually allow themselves to be deceived and not even realize whats happening (Machiavelli 48). Just as in politics today, there are forever and a day promises being made and not followed through on. It seems as though this is how things have always been. And yet, the people to whom these politicians give their speeches, seem to believe that one party or the other speaks the truth, and then go back on those original beliefs after that party has come into office, and speak of what a liar he or she has turned out to be.Politicians in my opinion have yet to master the art of disguising their deception for any longer than it takes to gain a title. I do believe the middle ground for lying, is that it should only be done with good intention behind it. In conclusion, I find myself agr eeing with the many statements prone by Machiavelli in that it is very necessary to act in some ways that could be viewed as immoral in order to reach a goal. They seem to hold an especially helpful twine if that goal is to gain power, maintain order or create an image for ones self. But, I also believe that in order for such strategies to be effective, a middle ground has to be reached. These cannot be seen in an all or nothing sense. They each have difficulties and they each have turn out to be effective when that middle ground is reached.Works CitedMachiavelli, Niccolo. The Qualities of the Prince. World of Ideas Boston, Bedford/St.Martins 20101 Definition Middle underseal2 Hypothetical Example