Signification
Results matter more than the process.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is the central 'villain' of 19th-century Russian literature. Dostoevsky and Tolstoy both wrote extensively to prove that the means *are* the end, and a bad path cannot lead to a good destination. During the Soviet era, this principle was often used (though not always explicitly) to justify the hardships of the Five-Year Plans and political repressions for the sake of 'building communism'. In the 'Wild 90s' of Russia, this phrase was a common justification for the ruthless business practices that emerged during the transition to capitalism. The Russian Orthodox Church generally rejects this principle, emphasizing that 'God is not in power, but in truth' (Бог не в силе, а в правде).
Don't use it as a compliment
If you say this to someone about their success, you are implying they were ruthless or immoral to get there.
The Power of Negation
In essays, starting with 'Я категорически не согласен, что цель оправдывает средства' is a very strong way to establish a moral argument.
Signification
Results matter more than the process.
Don't use it as a compliment
If you say this to someone about their success, you are implying they were ruthless or immoral to get there.
The Power of Negation
In essays, starting with 'Я категорически не согласен, что цель оправдывает средства' is a very strong way to establish a moral argument.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Многие политики считают, что великая цель ________ средства.
The subject 'цель' is singular, so the verb must be 'оправдывает'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Цель оправдывает средства'?
Выберите ситуацию:
Situation B involves a morally questionable action (lying) to achieve a major goal (saving the company).
Match the Russian phrase with its English equivalent or meaning.
Соотнесите пары:
These are all related Russian proverbs about results and methods.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
— Я слышал, он украл секретные документы конкурентов, чтобы его фирма выиграла тендер. — Да, он всегда жил по принципу...
The context of stealing for a win perfectly matches 'the end justifies the means'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesМногие политики считают, что великая цель ________ средства.
The subject 'цель' is singular, so the verb must be 'оправдывает'.
Выберите ситуацию:
Situation B involves a morally questionable action (lying) to achieve a major goal (saving the company).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related Russian proverbs about results and methods.
— Я слышал, он украл секретные документы конкурентов, чтобы его фирма выиграла тендер. — Да, он всегда жил по принципу...
The context of stealing for a win perfectly matches 'the end justifies the means'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt is 'оправдывает' (singular) because the subject is 'цель' (goal).
Only if you are explaining why you *don't* believe in it. Saying you believe the end justifies the means will make you look like a liability.
Machiavelli is the most cited, but Dostoevsky's character Raskolnikov is the most culturally significant.
Expressions liées
Победителей не судят
similarVictors are not judged.
Любой ценой
similarAt any cost.
Лес рубят — щепки летят
similarWhen wood is chopped, chips fly.
Благими намерениями вымощена дорога в ад
contrastThe road to hell is paved with good intentions.
