Do worthy ends justify any means?

[Kaldosi]

The aforementioned statement asserts that if a goal is worthy, then any means of attaining that goal is justifiable. The justifiability of attaining a goal must be determined on a case by case basis, by weighing the benefits of attaining the goal against the cost or harm that might accrue along the way. Furthermore, while many people would carve their ways to attain their goals, despite harming another people or even the society, I believe that one should take into consideration the overall effects of his acts.

In my essay, I will discuss and give examples pertaining to the above subject.

Firstly, consider the goal of completing a marathon, which is 42 km long and requires long and painstaking preparation, and stamina to complete the challenging run. To prepare for the competition the runner has to sacrifice his time that could be spent with his family and children. Additionally, the runner may not concentrate on his job so well, because of fatigue in his body due to physical trainings. Hence, the worthy purpose to perform the marathon might not overweight the possible consequences, such as loosing a job or spoiling the family life. Yet, the fact of performing a marathon can provide enormous reward to the person fulfilling it and also the achievement can provide encouragement to friends and other members.

Secondly, even an act that seems to be a contributing force toward society at the first sight can cause harm or unintended consequences. Chief examples of that would be an environmental or a humanitarian act. The former would help make the air cleaner and the latter might protect some precious animals from being extinct. Indeed, this acts are well worthy. However, as any acts, these deeds as well should be weighted, considering the positive and negative effects. Here, due the closures of many factories many employees can lose their jobs, eventually causing financial problems for many people. Also, the protection of certain animals might imbalance and cause starvation for many.

Finally, a sport man who uses unfair tactics and acts might undermine his career despite the fact that he won a certain tournament. Later or sooner the tricks and cheatings, such as the usage of steroids, will be unveiled. So in this example, the means does not justify the final results.

For these reasons and examples, I can conclude that the worthiness of any goal, whether it is personal or societal, can be determined only by weighing the benefits of achieving the goal against its costs – to us as well as to others.

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I could write much more, but unfortunately I have no time to continue. Thank you very much in advance for your corrections.

TOEFL listening discussions: Why doesn't the young man want to assume the family business?

[Kitosdad]

Firstly, consider the goal of completing a marathon, which is 42 km long and requires long(,) painstaking preparation, and stamina to complete the challenging run. To prepare for the competition the runner has to sacrifice his PRECIOUS time, TIME that could be spent with his family and children. Additionally, the runner may not concentrate on his job so well because of fatigue in his body due to physical training. Hence, the worthy purpose to perform the marathon might not OUTWEIGH the possible consequences, such as LOSING a job or spoiling the family life. Yet, the fact of performing a marathon can provide enormous rewardS to the person fulfilling it and also the achievement can provide encouragement to friends and other members.

Secondly, even an act that seems to be a contributing force toward society at the first sight can cause harm or unintended consequences. Chief examples of that would be an environmental or a humanitarian act. The former would help make the air cleaner and the latter might protect some precious animals from being extinct. Indeed, thESE acts are well worthy. However, as any acts, these deeds as well should be weighted, considering the positive and negative effects. Here, due the closures of many factories many employees can lose their jobs, eventually causing financial problems for many people. Also, the protection of certain animals might imbalance and cause starvation for many.

Finally, a sportSman who uses unfair tactics and acts might undermine his career despite the fact that he won a certain tournament. Later or sooner the tricks and cheatings, such as the usage of steroids, will be unveiled. So in this example, the means does not justify the final results.

For these reasons and examples, I can conclude that the worthiness of any goal, whether it is personal or social, can be determined only by weighing the benefits of achieving the goal against its costs – to OURSELVES as well as to others.

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I thought this was an excellently written essay. Thank you.

Kitos. 9/10
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