[Avodah] Ends and Means Must Be Pure

[Prof. Levine]

The following is from RSRH's commentary on Bereshis 49

7 Cursed be their anger for it is fierce, and their fury, for it is 
cruel. I will divide them in Ya'akov and scatter them in Yisrael.

It is most significant that here, at the laying of the cornerstone of
the Jewish people, a curse is imposed upon any violent outburst that
runs counter to justice and morality, even if it is intended for the common
good.

All other states and nations have adopted the principle that any
action is legitimate as long as it serves the interest of the state. Acts of
cunning and violence that would be punished by ostracism or execution
if practiced by an individual for selfish gain are rewarded with laurels
and civic honors if they are committed for what is alleged to be the
welfare of the state. The laws of morality apply only in private life,
whereas in politics and diplomacy the only recognized law is that of
national self-interest.

Here, by contrast, the last will and testament on which the Jewish
people was founded pronounces a curse on cunning and violence, even
if they are used for the nation's most legitimate interests, and it sets
down for all time the doctrine that even in public life and in the promotion
of the common good, not only must the ends be pure, but so must
be the means.
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