How a person should be evaluated: by the intentions or by the outcomes?

@Scarrlet (168)
Ukraine
July 20, 2008 10:44am CST
We judge people differently, and sometimes our own judgment is not fair because we have different moral views. When someone is making an action is it more important what he/she is trying to achieve (intentions, thoughts) or what he/she has already achieved? How to evaluate whether the actions are good or bad?
3 responses
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
23 Jul 08
Good but complex question!LOL! You see one is supposed to execute the task assigned to him/her, outcome may not be in his hand. We are supposed to perform our duties, without thinking about the outcome. I believe, if we are performing our duties with due sincerity and honesty, we will definitely get a better outcome. Sincerity is related to intentions (good intentions). I feel, if my intentions for executing a task are positive, I would achieve the results. If someone is tryig for something, he must be applauded and appreciated, because he is making a try and on the other hand, if someone is just sitting idle, hoping that fate will bring him some good luck and some material things, he would be judged on a negative scale, in my opinion.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
23 Jul 08
Thanks for appreciating my positive attitude, your comments elevated my morale and confidence. Yes, you are right we all should have a positive attitude and approach. dpk P.S. - I noticed that you start quite an interesting and quality discussion, despite you are a new comer here.. Keep it up!
@Scarrlet (168)
• Ukraine
23 Jul 08
I think this is a very positive view. I would like more people to think exactly like that. Sincere and honest attitude to our actions put on higher level not only on our behavior with other people, but also our inner world making it more harmonized and self-fulfilling. Thank you for appreciating the question :]
@snowbitz (487)
• Philippines
22 Jul 08
I think both because there are times the intention is good but in the end he must do something to achieve that intentions.and there are also times that the outcome is n good but the intention is bad or other way around.But either what the outcome or intention maybe .We must judge a person base on both not with only one.just like the fictional character robin hood the outcome is bad because he robs from the rich people but the intention is good giving it to the poor.
@Scarrlet (168)
• Ukraine
22 Jul 08
Very good example. Thank you. This shows all the complexity of our life, and proves that it is much harder to judge a person without knowing who he/she is.
@shav9292 (928)
• India
20 Jul 08
both intentions as well as outcomes are important ill give an example if one persons intention is to climb a mountain he does then he is a winner.if he fail he is called an underachiever.if he has no goals not success he is called a loser.but its complicated than that.i maybe wrong ......
@Scarrlet (168)
• Ukraine
20 Jul 08
I agree with you. Yet it's also discouraging when a person, with good intentions but no results is also named a loser