I've always thought the end justified the meaing, as long as there wasn't a huge difference. If the means are bad, and the end really good, then it's okay. But if the mean is something terrible and it's only a bit better in the end, it's not worth it.
I like that saying because it's very realistic and true to how the world works. Machiavelli was really saying it how it was, because a vast majority of the time, someone in the real world has to get the short straw for something to happen for the greater good. Obviously if terrible means were taken to attain a lackluster or otherwise unworthy end, then it's not a valid phrase at all. Its validity is very dependent upon the situation.
But idealists (coughcoughlikeme) fancy the idea that everything can be achieved peacefully and morally. Unfortunately, it's hardly ever true, but I don't like thinking about that.
not everything, some things, few thing actualy, for some people it is a matter of daily living to justify the means with the ends.
got that right. peace would be nice but...*cough* excitement is better*cough* 'scuse me for pointing out the obivious but better to figure it out or keep thinking unrealisticlly. It could be achieve tho' misty just for like what a day?