In other words, the end justifies the means. Whoever acts on the basis of the first, believes that he must respect principles of conduct valid and preeminent, without regard for the consequences derived from them. Whoever acts on the basis of the second, considers his duty fulfilled if he accomplishes the result sought. A famous French writer expressed this with enormous crudity by making one of his characters say that he who engages in politics cannot help but get his hands sullied, although without explaining if by mire or blood. The crux of the problem regarding these conceptions is who justifies the means.
Every end can become a means to a higher end.
It has been said that democracy is more a system of means than of ends. All political systems coincide on the defense of social justice, the common good, and the individual rights of people. The discussion arises when we compare the means that they intend to use. For this reason, instruments are important, and the end cannot justify the means. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on goverranent would be necessary.