If a good deed is done, does it matter why?

Question

If a good deed is done does it matter what motivated it? For example what if a billionaire were to give vast quantities of cash to charity, donate time to worthy causes, etc but only did so just to get some more publicity. Or what of a volunteer who volunteers his time but does so because he gets pats on the back by his mates.  Does the fact that it was for selfish purpose negate the good the done?

Do the ends justify the means if the result is positive or must noble deeds be done for selfless motives? Can any good deed ever be truly selfless or will the one doing it always get something from it?

small · Accepted Answer

The key reason why we naturally learn to give so much more importance to intentions behind the actions, is not far to seek. Intentions signify the purpose and purpose almost always lasts longer than the immediate results of the actions. Our experience shows that 'importance' seems to be directly proportional to 'longevity' and 'finality'.

SiFu frank · Answer

Not a simple question. 
I go by the rule you can never do just one thing. 
If the reason you do a good deed is to accomplish evil in the long term it defiantly matters. 
You will always benefit from a good deed in some manner weather it is self gratification or long term material gain. Often it depends on the deed doer. Motivation can sometimes cause a person to do something seemingly good and end up causing a bad long term outcome. A good deed done for good intentions always trumps a seemingly good deed done for political or personal gain. Of course it is good to feel good about doing a good deed. I don't think there is anything wrong with positive reinforcement.

Kevin7 · Answer

I think Sometimes yes

oldandtired · Answer

To the recipient, no, to the donor, yes.

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If a good deed is done, does it matter why?

4 Answers