In Paul Clifford, the eponymous hero’s tutor, Mr. Peter Mac Grawler, reflects:
“Why fret myself? –if a pupil turn out well, it is clearly to the advantage of his master; if not, to the disadvantage of himself.” Of course, a similar suggestion never forced itself into the mind of Dr. Keate.  At Eton, the very soul of the honest headmaster is consumed by his zeal for the welfare of little gentlemen in stiff cravats.
(Definitely click the link: Keate was apparently “the greatest flogging Head Master, the symbol of unreformed Eton.”)
I wonder how often we indulge in similar “philosophical consolations,” especially in conversations about assessment?