"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.

The statement depicts the short term privileges and benefits and the long term ethical behaviour and the conflict between two. The short term transitory benefit if preffered over the long term principles harms the individual losing both. As Kant says the means should be justified and not merely to attain the goal/end.

Example : An officer who is offered bribe to take action and prevent the corrupt person and also assured of the promotion in position by having the privilege to get both monetary benefit as well as post rise. If he succumbs to his

use of money and post, then he will be having crisis of conscience as Bhisma had when he supported Duryodhan.

Thus, the man with principles is the one who is often remembered and benefits justifying the purpose of his life. There may be chances officer is caught of the corrupt practice and may harm entire reputation as well as lifelong image and earnings.