Motivation... Does it Matter?

[Jason Tandro]

Which do you think is more important? The actions of person, or the motivation behind the actions?

Overall, I tend to be a more linear thinker. Therefore my concern is with the here and now, where motivation matters very little.

I don't care why somebody does something, I will judge the actions on the merits of the action alone.

If somebody stabs me, I don't care if he was depressed and desperate and just trying to take my money to fee his kids, at the end of the day, I'm still injured or maybe even dead.

In contrast, if somebody helps me out just so that they can feel superior about themselves and tell everybody how they pulled me out of the fire... fine, go ahead. You still saved my ass.

This subject often comes up when studying history. Do we look at the events or study why they happen. Now I can see the merit and logic of delving into motivation, but in the "big picture" I think all that matters is action.

[psychokind]

I always judge it the way it benefits me the most

[EverPhoenix]

i find motivation an important factor, but the actions are also important - after all, its the actions that people see, not the motivation.

[Mantaray]

it's the actions that count more, but sometimes the motivation is seriously something to take note of depending on the severity of the action

or the motivation was there but the action was an accident..