Why it is important to have a goal in life: arguments, reasons and features. What does it mean to be purposeful? Determination examples from literature

Every person at least once in his life dreamed, set a goal and followed it, did everything possible to achieve it. To my great regret, there are many obstacles on a person’s path that “slow down” him, force him to pass a test of endurance and willpower, and a person does not always cope with these obstacles successfully. There have been cases when these tests more than once destroyed someone’s attempts to achieve something, because for some, the “insurmountable wall” caused fear, doubt, when faced with which, people abandoned the “steps” they had begun on the path to something big, great, significant. But there are people for whom an obstacle is a sign that a person is on the right path, that by overcoming this obstacle, new doors, solutions and paths to achieving their goal will open for them. People who are not afraid of obstacles are purposeful individuals. Such people are hardworking, full of energy, positive attitude, and most importantly, have a desire to achieve results.

After all, if a person strives very hard for something, it is easier for him to achieve his goal. This is exactly what Fazil Abdulovich Iskander, a Russian and Abkhaz writer and poet, discusses in his text, raising the problem of determination.

In support of this problem, the author cites a story from the life of sixty-five-year-old Georgy Andreevich and his son. The father was “worried that his youngest son was interested in sports and read almost nothing.” He refused to believe that “the book could die out, that TV and computer games could win.” To prove that books are an irreplaceable attribute in life and worth getting carried away with, he sets himself the goal of instilling a love of reading in the younger generation, and follows this mission, regardless of difficulties. Georgy Andreevich is a real purposeful person, and to prove this, the author gives two examples.

Firstly, the father, realizing that his son did not read books and this was not part of his immediate plans, “he himself began to read to his twelve-year-old son. But the son did not catch that charming winking of many meanings that a real literary text gives and in which the author involves a grateful reader.” The son tried in every possible way to “evade this hateful duty.” But the father did not despair and did not stop when faced with a problem.

Secondly, the father realized that if “sport is the only thing that interests a boy besides TV and computer games,” then he needs to “play by its rules” in order to achieve what he wants. Georgy Andreevich invites his son to play a game, the “punishment” of which will be reading a book for two hours. Of course, the twelve-year-old son, who has been involved in sports for several years, grinningly accepts his father’s “challenge”. Grigory Andreevich, not ready to give up, despite the fact that he does not have good skills in sports, fights with his son on equal terms, because he is determined to win, he is burning with desire, which means he will do everything within his power to achieve what he expects. In the end, the father defeats his son by two points and achieves his goal.

But, despite the fact that determination is a good human quality, it still has shortcomings, because a person, in order to achieve what he wants, takes all means, both right and harmful to others, sometimes, not paying attention to others, causing them harm.

In the work of A.P. Chekhov “Gooseberry” Nikolai Ivanovich dreamed all his life of acquiring an estate with gooseberries, this was his life goal. He saved on food, saved every penny to achieve his goal, and even got married to increase his capital and buy the desired estate. He is, in my opinion, a real purposeful person, because he walked towards his goal persistently, without leaving the intended path. But in pursuit of his goal, he did not pay attention to the people around him, which is why his wife died.

In B. Vasiliev’s story “The Dawns Here Are Quiet,” one of the main characters, Sergeant Major F. Vaskov, is undoubtedly an excellent example of a purposeful person. During the battle with the enemy, the foreman was wounded, due to which his strength quickly left him. But, despite the pain and weakness, he did not give up, moved on, continued to fight, because he had a goal - to protect his Motherland, to do everything for its good. He, driven by his goal, “forgotten” about his wound, brought the captured Germans to “his own” and only then allowed himself to “rest.”

In conclusion, I want to say that determination is undoubtedly a quality that many people want to have, because following your intended goal firmly, without being distracted by anything, costs a lot. But you shouldn’t forget yourself during your journey, so as not to cause irreversible consequences with your actions.

Updated: 2018-06-29

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How great and noble in its meaning is the concept of “purposefulness”. Life is multifaceted. And philosophical orientation allows us to determine the life position of a person, his goal and worldly purpose.

How often does society hang familiar labels on people like “this one will certainly achieve his goal, despite all the hardships of fate.” The other "appears to be a clear failure, leading a meaningless existence." But why is it important to have a goal in life, what are the arguments?

The goal is important

Each one is unique and distinctive in its own way. And not only by external characteristics, but also by internal concepts: morality and worldview. The worldview of any person, young and old, includes a path illuminated by the sun's rays and aimed at achieving the primary goal.

What seems to one an unattainable dream, for the sake of which one will have to go out on the warpath and overcome a ladder that lasts for years, for another it is a phenomenon of no paramount importance, ordinary and unremarkable.

It often happens that, having not fully set life’s priorities, a person is at a crossroads: rushing from one goal to another. Thus, he stands absolutely still, not one iota closer to his dream.

Arguments from the biography of Jack London

Why is it important to have a purpose in life? Arguments from the biographies of great people perfectly sort out internal contradictions. Everyone knows the world-famous American writer Jack London - the author of adventure stories and magnificent works about friendship, love, gold rush and dedication to his work.

But few people know that for success and recognition, the genius of the great style had to fight hard with stubborn publishers who did not want to have anything to do with the unremarkable young man.

Jack London's currently popular novel "Martin Eden" is the autobiography of a recognized writer. The book serves as an excellent impetus for the reader who knows how to correctly filter information and draw conclusions based on the mistakes of others.

A person who does not have a goal in life is not able to achieve unprecedented heights. Everyone is capable of giving up and giving up, but acting against the will of fate, stepping towards obstacles, is already a manifestation of fortitude and inner core.

Arguments from the book "The Wolf of Wall Street"

In literature, in many works, you can easily find the answer to the question: why is it important to have a goal in life? The arguments given by the authors of business literature are easily digestible and motivate readers to their own achievements.

Take, for example, the vivid character revealed in his own book of memoirs, “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Jordan takes a decisive step towards dramatic change. He sets a goal - to achieve heights at any cost and enjoy the delights of life to the maximum. And how wonderfully and successfully he follows his dream, step by step embodying and developing more and more new ideas.

Such cases seem unnatural and unattainable. But it is precisely such people who teach an important lesson and give an incentive to believe in the limitlessness of one’s own capabilities.

"War and Peace". Arguments from the book

As another equally expressive example, we can cite the epic novel by the world classic of Russian literature Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy “War and Peace”.

The main character Peter Bezukhov has an extraordinary imagination, which leads him to achieve his goal. In his reality, love and understanding of the world are easily embodied in hope and faith. A man whose purpose was the supposed meaning of life haunted him for many years. He overcame many hardships and vicissitudes of fate and came to the conclusion that it was necessary to live morally and improve the world.

The character of Lev Nikolaevich is another excellent proof of why it is important to have a goal in life. The arguments are undeniable.

"Quiet Don"

When talking about overcoming obstacles, it is impossible to ignore the example in the book by Mikhail Aleksandrovich Sholokhov “Quiet Don”.

The revolutionary element sweeps away the destinies of people. One of the main characters, perfectly complements the relevance of the topic. He is at a crossroads, but his inner nobility prevails over the baseness of what is happening, and he opposes the evil and injustice of the world around him.

Quite versatile, but such beloved characters from works not only brighten up our loneliness, but also give an answer to the question: why is it important to have a goal in life. The direction indicated by them is a good incentive to achieve your own peaks. The process itself is an excellent implementation on the path to satisfaction and defending your positions.

Last arguments

It is often very difficult to identify one main goal in a person’s life. The reasons and doubts are varied. There are many examples in life when difficulties break the desire for personal growth and development. Having lost their job, many perceive this as the onset of a dark streak in life.

It really all depends on perception. Perhaps this is a new chance and a quick leap towards long-awaited changes that you were not previously inclined to make. It is best to keep everything under your control. Life is a game, and the strongest makes the rules.

Problem How to determine the goal and the position itself? Choice is an aspect that is significant in the life of every person. Quite often, aspirations are confused with desires that have the form: playing sports, traveling and other things that satisfy needs, but do not have time limits.

The desire can be conscious or vice versa. The basis for achievement should first of all be the realization of the goal. Each person necessarily highlights something different, and by taking a closer look at the people who are close to you, you can determine what is paramount to them.

The list of goals is multifaceted. And in stock there will always be your own goals that cause misunderstanding among others. Exactly the same and vice versa.

Basic goals

The main goals that can be found in life, based on psychological surveys:

  1. The first priority for many is the creation of a family nest. This is perhaps the most basic human need, no matter what anyone says. But the thirst for family warmth is inherent in everyone at the level of instincts. Over time, these instincts acquired a more perfect form. In a civilized society, instead of promiscuity, there is a monogamous system, which has demonstrated its relevance in modern times.
  2. There is also a humorous saying that is not without meaning - “Give birth to a son, build a house, plant a tree.” Having acquired all three points, you will realize why it is important to have a goal in life. The arguments and reasons speak for themselves. After all, only by creating and building do you get a sense of your significance in this world. A sign that everyone leaves behind after going their own way.
  3. When it comes to work, you need to love what you do and do what you love. Only by using this formula can you feel inner harmony when choosing an activity. A person spends almost half of his adult adult life at work. Therefore, it is important not to make a mistake in choosing the path.
  4. Successful people tend to have a sense of expansion. They want everything new: more and always. The constant search for opportunities, friends, new skills and abilities will give life a bright contrast, make it interesting and rich.

Conclusion

Everyone can continue the list based on their preferences and goals, the main thing is to remember that only perseverance and unfading optimism can conquer all the peaks.

FIPI commentary on “Goals and Means”:
“The concepts of this direction are interconnected and allow us to think about a person’s life aspirations, the importance of meaningful goal setting, the ability to correctly correlate the goal and the means of achieving it, as well as the ethical assessment of human actions. Many literary works feature characters who deliberately or mistakenly chose unsuitable means to realize their plans. And it often turns out that a good goal serves only as a cover for true (base) plans. Such characters are contrasted with heroes for whom the means of achieving a high goal are inseparable from the requirements of morality."

Recommendations for students:
The table presents works that reflect any concept related to the “Goals and Means” direction. You DO NOT need to read all of the works listed. You may have already read a lot. Your task is to revise your reading knowledge and, if you discover a lack of arguments within a particular direction, fill in the existing gaps. In this case, you will need this information. Think of it as a guide in the vast world of literary works. Please note: the table shows only a portion of the works that contain the problems we need. This does not mean at all that you cannot make completely different arguments in your work. For convenience, each work is accompanied by small explanations (third column of the table), which will help you navigate exactly how, through which characters, you will need to rely on literary material (the second mandatory criterion when evaluating a final essay)

An approximate list of literary works and carriers of problems in the direction of "Goals and Means"

Direction Sample list of literary works Carriers of the problem
Goals and means A. S. Griboyedov. "Woe from Wit" Chatsky(Goal: change society. Means: courage, honesty, exposure of vices), Molchalin (Goal: obtaining ranks, own well-being. Means: meanness, serving important people, using others).
A. S. Pushkin. "Captain's daughter" Grinev(Goal: to be faithful to an officer’s duty. Means: courage, honesty. Goal: not to discredit the name of the captain’s daughter, Masha Mironova. Means: nobility, refusal to use Masha’s testimony in the investigation), Masha Mironova(Goal: save your loved one. Means: courage and determination, conversation with the empress), Pugachev(Goal: live a bright life, be useful to the people. Means: rebellion, cruelty, courage, audacity), Shvabrin(Goal: save your life. Means: betrayal, going over to the side of the rebel Pugachev).
A. S. Pushkin. "Mozart and Salieri" Salieri. Goal: excellence in creativity. Means: envy, murder.
M. Yu. Lermontov. "Hero of our time" Pechorin. Goal: Find your purpose. “Why did you live? For what purpose was he born? Remedy: plucking flowers of life's pleasures, bringing suffering to others..
N.V. Gogol “Dead Souls” Chichikov. Goal: personal enrichment. Means: dishonesty, insolence, disregard for moral principles, following the father’s commandment: “Save a penny.”
L. N. Tolstoy. "War and Peace" Representatives of secular society(Goal: enrichment, honor and glory. Means: dishonor, deception, intrigue), Andrey Bolkonsky, Pierre Bezukhov(Goal: to be useful to Russia. Means: honesty, courage, ruthlessness towards oneself).
F. M. Dostoevsky. "Crime and Punishment" Raskolnikov(Goal: test your theory about the division of people. Means: ax (murder)), Sonechka Marmeladova(Goal: live honestly, help those who need it. Means: cross (faith, compassion, love)).
A. Chekhov “Gooseberry” Nikolay Ivanovich. Goal: to purchase a small estate where gooseberries will grow. Remedy: renunciation of all the joys of life (not only your own, but also a ban on life for your wife).
I. Bunin. "Mr. from San Francisco" Mister from San Francisco. Goal: accumulate capital. Remedy: work all your life, postponing life itself for later.
A. Platonov. "Sandy Woman" Maria Nikiforovna Naryshkina. Goal: change the lives of the people around her, help her survive in the harsh conditions of fighting the sands. Means: courage, determination, perseverance, personal example.
V. Bykov “Dovzhik” Commander of a partisan detachment. The goal is good German boots, which were owned by a fighter named Dovzhik. Remedy: murder of Dovzhik without witnesses.
D. Granin “Prisoners” Captured German lieutenant. Goal: survive in captivity. Remedy: pretend to be crazy.
V. Astafiev “Note” A son who “forgot” his mother at the station. Goal: to rid yourself of worries about your mother. Remedy: Leave your mother at the station with a note in your pocket.
V. Rasputin “Farewell to Matera” People who make important government decisions and carry out orders. Goal: construction of a hydroelectric power station. The remedy is flooding the land, including the village of Matera. What about people? Their memory?

“Goals and means” is one of the topics of the final essay on literature offered to graduates of 2020 by the developer of knowledge testing materials, the FIPI Institute. What can you write about in such a work?

First, you need to explain what a goal is. For example, it can be seen as a fundamental part of human life. Write how important it is to have a goal, to strive for heights, to achieve something, to realize self-realization. You can mention great discoveries, scientific or geographical - this will make the essay more interesting and give you a chance to get a higher grade. Secondly, we can give a brief classification of goals, because they can be different - true and false, great and selfish. Another version of the work topic is “Does the end justify the means?” Think about whether it is possible to justify a great goal achieved in an unjust way, write about the ethical assessment of the means to achieve the goal. Albert Einstein once said: “No goal is so high that it justifies unworthy means to achieve it.” Goethe also agreed with him: “High goals, even if unfulfilled, are more valuable than low goals, even if achieved.” You can agree with them or not, but in the second case you will have to try and present your convincing arguments. Write examples from literary works in which characters mistakenly or deliberately choose “bad” means to achieve a goal. You can also mention cases from life or history when a goal that is good at first glance actually serves only as a cover for base true plans. Be sure to contrast such characters with heroes who do not separate the means of achieving the goal from the requirements of morality.

All arguments for the final essay in the direction of "Goal and Means".

Is it possible to achieve a goal if the obstacles seem insurmountable? Is it possible to achieve a goal if everything is against you? Are there unattainable goals?
Many examples in life and fiction indicate that human possibilities are limitless. Thus, the hero of Ruben Gallego’s autobiographical novel “White on Black” is an example that confirms the idea that there are no insurmountable obstacles. The main character of the novel is an orphan for whom, it seems, life has not prepared anything good. He is sick, and also deprived of parental warmth. Even in infancy, he was separated from his mother, and he was sent to an orphanage. His life is hard and joyless, but the brave boy amazes with his determination. Despite the fact that he is considered weak-minded and unable to learn, he is so passionate about overcoming fate that he achieves his goal: becoming a famous writer and an inspiration to many people. The whole point is that he chooses the path of the hero: “I am a hero. It's easy to be a hero. If you don't have arms or legs, you are a hero or a dead man. If you don't have parents, rely on your own hands and feet. And be a hero. If you have neither arms nor legs, and you also managed to be born an orphan, that’s it. You are doomed to be a hero for the rest of your days. Or die. I am a hero. I simply have no other choice." In other words, to follow this path means to be strong and not give up until you reach the goal, when the goal is life, and achieving the goal is a daily struggle for existence.

What is the “great goal”? What is the purpose of human existence? What goal can bring satisfaction?
A great goal is, first of all, a goal aimed at creation, at making people's lives better. In V. Aksenov’s story “Colleagues” we see heroes who have yet to realize their destiny. Three friends: Alexey Maksimov, Vladislav Karpov and Alexander Zelenin, graduates of a medical institute, are waiting for assignment after graduation. They do not yet fully understand how important their work is, because quite recently they lived carefree: they went to the movies and theaters, walked, fell in love, argued about the purpose of a doctor. However, after college they are faced with real practice. Alexander Zelenin asks to be transferred to the village of Kruglogorye; he is sure that friends should continue the work of their ancestors for the sake of their descendants. Thanks to his work, he quickly gains the respect of local residents. At this time, Alexander's friends are working in the seaport, awaiting assignment to the ship. They are bored and do not understand the importance of their work. However, when Zelenin is seriously injured, his friends are nearby. Now a friend’s life depends only on their professionalism. Maksimov and Karpov perform a difficult operation and save Zelenin. It is at this moment that doctors understand what the great purpose of their lives is. They have enormous power to snatch a person from the tenacious clutches of death. This is why they chose their profession; only such a goal can bring them satisfaction.

Lack of purpose. Why is aimless existence dangerous? What is the purpose for? Can a person live without a goal? How do you understand the statement of E.A. According to “No transport will be favorable if you don’t know where to go”?

Lack of purpose is the scourge of humanity. After all, it is in achieving a goal that a person comprehends life and himself, accumulates experience, and develops his soul. Many heroes of literary works serve as confirmation of this. Usually, an immature person who is at the very beginning of his life’s journey suffers from the lack of a goal. For example, Eugene, the hero of the novel of the same name in poems by A.S. Pushkin. At the beginning of the work we see a young man who has no interest in life. And the main problem is the purposelessness of his existence. He cannot find the peak to which he could strive, although throughout the novel he tries to do so. At the end of the work, he seemingly finds a “target” - Tatyana. That's the goal! It can be assumed that his first step was taken: he confessed his love to Tatyana and dreamed that he could win her heart. A.S. Pushkin leaves the ending open. We don't know whether he will achieve his first goal, but there is always hope.

What means cannot be used to achieve a goal? Does the end justify the means? Do you agree with Einstein's statement: “No goal is so high that it justifies unworthy means to achieve it”?
Sometimes, in order to achieve their goals, people forget about the means they choose on the way to what they want. Thus, one of the characters in the novel “A Hero of Our Time,” Azamat, wanted to get a horse that belonged to Kazbich. He was ready to offer everything he had and didn't have. The desire to get Karagöz overcame all the feelings he had. Azamat, in order to achieve his goal, betrayed his family: he sold his sister to get what he wanted, and ran away from home, fearing punishment. His betrayal resulted in the death of his father and sister. Azamat, despite the consequences, destroyed everything that was dear to him in order to get what he so passionately desired. From his example you can see that not all means are good for achieving the goal.

The relationship between goals and means. What's the difference between a true and a false target? In what life situations does achieving a goal not bring happiness? Does achieving a goal always make a person happy?
The relationship between goals and means can be found on the pages of the novel by M.Yu. Lermontov "Hero of Our Time". Trying to achieve a goal, people sometimes do not understand that not all means will help them achieve this. One of the characters in the novel “A Hero of Our Time,” Grushnitsky, passionately desired to be recognized. He sincerely believed that the position and money would help him in this. In the service, he sought a promotion, believing that this would solve his problems and attract the girl with whom he was in love. His dreams were not destined to come true, because true respect and recognition are not associated with money. The girl he was pursuing preferred someone else because love has nothing to do with social recognition and status.

What false goals lead to?What is the difference between a true and a false target? What is the difference between a goal and a momentary desire? When does achieving a goal not bring happiness?
When a person sets false goals for himself, achieving them does not bring satisfaction. The central character of the novel “A Hero of Our Time” has set different goals for himself all his life, hoping that achieving them will bring him joy. He makes the women he likes fall in love with him. Using all means, he wins their hearts, but later loses interest. So, becoming interested in Bela, he decides to steal her and then woo the wild Circassian woman. However, having achieved his goal, Pechorin begins to get bored; her love does not bring him happiness. In the chapter “Taman” he meets a strange girl and a blind boy who are involved in smuggling. In an effort to find out their secret, he does not sleep for days and watches them. His passion is fueled by a sense of danger, but on the way to achieving his goal, he changes people's lives. Having been discovered, the girl is forced to flee and leave the blind boy and elderly woman to their fate. Pechorin does not set true goals for himself, he only strives to dispel boredom, which not only leads him to disappointment, but also breaks the fates of people who get in his way.

Goal and means/self-sacrifice. Does the end justify the means? How are a person’s moral qualities related to the means he chooses to achieve his goals? Achieving what goal brings satisfaction?
The means can be justified by the end if it is noble, like the heroes of O. Henry's story "". Della and Jim found themselves in a difficult life situation: on Christmas Eve they did not have money to give each other gifts. But each of the heroes set a goal for themselves: to please their soulmate at all costs. So Della sold her hair to buy a watch chain for her husband, and Jim sold his watch to buy a comb. “The James Dillingham Young couple had two treasures that were the source of their pride. One is Jim's gold watch that belonged to his father and grandfather, the other is Della's hair." The heroes of the story sacrificed the most important things in order to achieve the main goal - to please their loved one.

Do you need a goal in life? Why do you need a purpose in life? Why is it important to have a purpose in life? Why is aimless existence dangerous? What is the purpose of human existence? What is the difference between true and false?
Witty satire on reality is a distinctive feature of O. Henry's work. His story “” touches on perhaps one of the most important problems of society. The narrative is full of comedy: the main character, Mr. Towers Chandler, being an ordinary hard worker, allowed himself a luxurious trip through the center of Manhattan once every 70 days. He put on an expensive suit, hired a cab driver, dined at a good restaurant, posing as a rich man. Once during such a “soray” he met a modestly dressed girl named Marian. He was captivated by her beauty and invited her to dinner. During the conversation, he still pretended to be a rich man who doesn’t have to do anything. For Marian, this lifestyle was unacceptable. Her position was obvious: every person should have aspirations and goals in life. It doesn't matter whether a person is rich or poor, he should do useful work. Only later do we learn that the girl was actually rich, unlike Chandler. He naively believed that by posing as a wealthy person, not burdened with worries and labors, he could attract the attention of a beautiful stranger, and that people would treat him better. But it turned out that a purposeless existence not only does not attract, but also repels. O. Henry's manifesto is directed against slackers and idle people, "whose whole life passes between the living room and the club."

Determination. Do you agree with the statement: “A person who certainly wants something forces fate to give up”? Is it possible to achieve a goal if the obstacles seem insurmountable? What is the purpose for? How do you understand Balzac’s statement: “To reach the goal, you must first go”? How to achieve the goal?
Are there things beyond our capabilities? If not, how can you achieve your wildest goal? In his story "" A.P. Platonov gives answers to these questions. It tells the story of the life of a small flower that was destined to be born between stones and clay. His whole life was a struggle with external factors that interfered with his growth and development. The brave flower “worked day and night to live and not die,” and therefore was completely different from other flowers. A special light and smell emanated from him. At the end of the work, we can see how his efforts were not in vain, we see his “son”, just as alive and patient, only even stronger, since he lived between the stones. This allegory applies to man. A person’s goal is achievable if he works without sparing effort. If you are purposeful, you can overcome any obstacles, and also raise children in your image, even better. What humanity will be like depends on everyone. Do not be afraid of difficulties and give up. Strong personalities, who are characterized by determination, “shine” with an extraordinary color in the same way as A.P.’s flower. Platonov.

How does society influence the formation of goals?
From the very beginning of the story, all the thoughts of Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya and her son are directed towards one thing - the arrangement of their material well-being. For this sake, Anna Mikhailovna does not disdain either humiliating begging, or the use of brute force (the scene with the mosaic briefcase), or intrigue, etc. At first, Boris tries to resist his mother's will, but over time he realizes that the laws of the society in which they live are subject to only one rule - the one with power and money is right. Boris begins to “make a career.” He is not interested in serving the Fatherland; he prefers serving in those places where he can quickly move up the career ladder with minimal impact. For him there are neither sincere feelings (rejection of Natasha) nor sincere friendship (coldness towards the Rostovs, who did a lot for him). He even subordinates his marriage to this goal (description of his “melancholy service” with Julie Karagina, declaration of love to her through disgust, etc.). In the war of 12, Boris sees only court and staff intrigues and is only concerned with how to turn this to his advantage. Julie and Boris are quite happy with each other: Julie is flattered by the presence of a handsome husband who has made a brilliant career; Boris needs her money.

End justifies the means? Is it possible to say that in war all means are good? Is it possible to justify great goals achieved through dishonest means?
For example, in the novel by F.M. Dostoevsky's main character Rodion poses the question: “Am I a trembling creature or do I have the right”? Rodion sees the poverty and troubles of the people around him, which is why he decides to kill the old money-lender, thinking that her money will help thousands of suffering girls and boys. Throughout the entire narrative, the hero tries to test his theory about the superman, justifying himself by the fact that great commanders and rulers did not set themselves barriers in the form of morality on the path to great goals. Rodion turns out to be a man unable to live with the awareness of the act he committed, and therefore admits his guilt. After some time, he understands that the pride of the mind leads to death, thereby refuting his theory of the “superman”. He sees a dream in which fanatics, confident in their rightness, killed others without accepting their truth. “People killed each other... in senseless rage, until they destroyed the human race, except for a few “chosen ones.” The fate of this hero shows us that even good intentions do not justify inhumane methods.

Can the end justify the means? How do you understand the saying: “When the goal is achieved, the path is forgotten”?
The eternal question of the relationship between ends and means is addressed in the dystopian novel “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley. The story is told in the distant future, and a “happy” society appears before the reader’s eyes. All areas of life are mechanized, a person no longer experiences suffering or pain, all problems can be resolved by taking a drug called “soma”. People's whole lives are aimed at obtaining pleasure, they are no longer tormented by the torment of choice, their life is predetermined. The concepts of “father” and “mother” do not exist, since children are raised in special laboratories, eliminating the danger of abnormal development. Thanks to technology, old age is defeated, people die young and beautiful. They even greet death cheerfully, watching TV shows, having fun and taking soma. All the people in the state are happy. However, further we see the other side of such a life. This happiness turns out to be primitive, since in such a society strong feelings are prohibited and connections between people are destroyed. Standardization is the motto of life. Art, religion, true science find themselves repressed and forgotten. The inconsistency of the theory of universal happiness is proven by heroes such as Bernard Marx, Hulmholtz Watson, John, who could not find a place in society because they realized their individuality. This novel confirms the following idea: even such an important goal as universal happiness cannot be justified by such terrible methods as standardization, depriving a person of love and family. Therefore, we can say for sure that the path that leads to happiness is also very important.