Such a Machiavellian question can only be decided on an individual basis. John Brown was not alone in advocating a more violent end to slavery, but many historians feel he's one of the most significant. Ultimately, as your question hinted at, the question becomes "Do the ends justify the means?" Was Lincoln justified in suspending Habeus Corpus? Was America justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan? That may not be much help, but it's difficult to decide what is "justified."
If you're interested in reading more about John Brown, I would recommend John Brown, Abolitionist by David Reynolds.
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Some opponents of slavery praised John Brown's life and actions including his raid on Harpers Ferry. Other opponents of slavery were strongly against violence and for this reason did not approve of John Brown's actions.
john brown opposed slavery
He helped to start the Civil War, and the war brought about the end of slavery.
The radical anti slavery abolishtionist John Brown was white. He can be called "radical" in that he took over a Federal arsenal to begin a slave rebellion.
John Brown:)