Does someone's motivation for doing something really matter?

Question

If two people do the same deed, does their motivation really matter? Also people often talk a lot about good intentions, is it not true that the smalledst of kind deeds is better than all the good intention in the world. A lot of people talk about doing big or kind things, yet is it not the person who carries someones bag up the stairs that makes the most impact?

For those who say yes, please see my other question...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=Ak61KFn9pI7MG6Iqvhe6AhEezKIX?link=ask_add&qid=20060920020200AAHofHP

i really like your answer ellie-O :)

Answer 1

hmmm, I'm not sure... its true that we are judged by our deeds and not our intentions, however repercussions and the entire story might often come into it. Also the persons minds set.

for example,

If you steal from a shop its bad, but is it as bad if you are doing it to feed your starving family.
Or
If Someone kills someone its horrible, but what if its because they think/know that that person may/has kill/ed another.

They're motivation does matter but only in their eyes and the eyes of their god. The reasons you have for doing a thing you cant ever make another truly understand.

So it does matter, but doesn't really make any difference to the world, only to the person.

Answer 2

My own belief is that we do what we do the right thing because we know it s the right thing to do. However, motivation does play an important role if, say someone feels obligated to do something, or if they are trying to impress others to get praise for themselves or otherwise manipulate a situation for their own benefit. As to your original question, a good deed is good deed, regardless of the motivation or the complexity of the task or dollar amount involved. Motivation, right or wrong, will run its course with the doer of the deed.

Answer 3

If I need an operation and someone gives me 50K for it because he really wants to help, or if someone gives it to me for the recognition he will get from family, friends and the community - I really wouldn't care what their reason is. Only the individual truly knows what motivates him.

Good intentions and bad intentions that are not acted upon are irrelevant. If someone intends to donate a house so a homeless person can have a home but never does, it is meaningless. If someone gives a homeless person a sandwich, it does have a positive impact.

Answer 4

If two people do the same deed, does their motivation really matter?

Consider one who "volunteers" their service free.
The other who would only perform the same service for pay.

Caring for a another's child or pet.

Ones motivation is money.
Another to be helpful.

Haven't we all, at times "refused" compensation when offered.

Answer 5

Motivation absolutely does matter. It makes all the difference sometimes, whether the job is done well, or just done. It makes a difference in the attitudes and the happiness of everybody around. It makes a difference in the quality and a whole lot of other things.

Answer 6

Every little bit helps. We all cut our cloth accordingly. If one does not have money than you can donate your time which is really valuable. My motivation stems on the good feelings I have after helping someone. I do not need for anyone to know what I have done because I know in my heart. Provided you are not looking for monetary gain good deeds are always appreciated.

Answer 7

If that person carried the bag upstairs over and over I am sure that persons motivation for doing so would spike the conscience of the one that person is carrying the bag for..dont you think?..therefore subconsciously motivating them..so yes, it really does matter...

Answer 8

in a court of law it does matter. for example if you were hiv+ and infected someone out of an accident, like a condom breakage or similar, and your motivation was not to cause bodily harm, than you wouldnt be charged, thus not a criminal, though if u did it with the intention of causing harm, (for example if you deliberately had a broken condom), than that would be an offence that should be punished.

Answer 9

hi Sway - If a political candidate is working for place of work, his/her polls instruct she/he isn't doing properly with African-human beings, so he/she donates a million money to a charity run by potential of the NAACP - confident, i think of it concerns. He ought to declare he grow to be 'purely donating' - to me it sounds like an attempt to purchase votes . . . possibly that is not a solid occasion, yet get my element.

Answer 10

Motive matters to your inner person.