Omaira Valencia: The Ends don't Justify the Means

We have the right to reach happiness, but it is important to point out that our happiness must not be built over suffering of our neighbours. Furthermore, some people such as governors and politicians take action to achieve good ends for the community, and they sometimes may use evil means; however, nothing that is bad itself can became good action. One action must be good and beneficial not only in the end, but also in the beginning and throughout the way.

The accomplishment of one action should be accompanied by the good means which keep laws and rights of the others. It is important to consider not only “what” I want to do, but also “how” I want to do it. The manner in which I do something may sometimes become more important than the final objective. Bad methods may bring the results into the darkness.

World history gives us several examples about leaders, politicians or governors who lead their countries to the war or pain, ignoring the consequences of the means. They wanted to reach their goals, manipulating concepts like freedom, education or culture. They believed, that the final purpose was most important than people that they pretended to defend. Unfortunately, the costs in lives, sorrow and suffering have been too high. Recently, we have listened to Canada government apologize to aboriginal community who were forced to blend into the new culture. In that age, Canada government explained that the purpose was to introduce aboriginal children into a superior culture.

Success is obsessive even in modern society. Successful people are in the top of communities. Hence, a lot of people fight to obtain money or powder, no matter how to reach those goals. They blend laws and break the rights of others forgetting elementary rules of respect. Business world is full of examples of fallacious trades to make good profits causing great damage to others.

Achieving success is not the only key to one’s happiness. All of us need to be in peace with ourselves. Actions must be good throughout the entire path, not only at the end. Life may teach us that during the way to reach a goal, we may improve our skills and find a special kind of success, despite the fact that the first objective may not be fully accomplished. In a word, evil does not produce anything good.