Pontifical Gregorian University
'The End justifies the Means' is a maxim which originated in an accusation made by Protestants against the Jesuits. Although few would openly proclaim such a cynical maxim, it is clearly the conception which justified the atrocities of Stalinism and the use of terror by some who claimed to be pursuing the socialist objective. The idea that some means (such as the use of violence against political opponents, or lying to the working class) which is inconsistent with the aim (world peace, socialism) can in some way serve that end is untenable. There is always some "tension" between Ends and Means – Means refer always to existing conditions as they are while the End refers to how things ought to be.
Reference: ^ Brian Basgen & Andy Blunden (2007-04-24). "MIA: Encyclopedia of Marxism: Glossary of Terms - Means and Ends". Marxists Internet Archive. Retrieved on 2008-03-08.
