To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
If you want to save capitalism there is only one type of argument that you should adopt, the only one that has ever won in any moral issue: the argument from self-esteem. Check your premises, convince yourself of the rightness of your cause, then fight for capitalism with full, moral certainty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-esteem and moral conviction are essential in defending capitalism.
In this quote, Ayn Rand emphasizes the importance of self-esteem and moral confidence when advocating for capitalism. She argues that the most effective way to argue in favor of capitalism is by checking one's own beliefs and premises, ensuring they are grounded in moral certainty, and then passionately defending the system that supports individual rights and self-fulfillment.
Themes
CapitalismSelf-EsteemMoral CertaintyArgumentsConviction
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on economic policy to emphasize the need for confidence in capitalism.
More from Ayn Rand
All quotes →The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
Ayn RandRead
It is my eyes which see, and the sight of my eyes grants beauty to the earth. It is my ears which hear, and the hearing of my ears gives its song to the world. It is my mind which thinks, and the judgement of my mind is the only searchlight that can find the truth. It is my will which chooses, and the choice of my will is the only edict I must respect.
Ayn RandRead
What is the basic, the essential, the crucial principle that differentiates freedom from slavery? It is the principle of voluntary action versus physical coercion or compulsion.
Ayn RandRead
One method of destroying a concept is by diluting its meaning. Observe that by ascribing rights to the unborn, i.e., the nonliving, the anti-abortionists obliterate the rights of the living.
Ayn RandRead
I think that when in doubt about the truth of an issue, it's safer and in better taste to select the least numerous of the adversaries.
Ayn RandRead
Similar quotes
Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
Thomas JeffersonRead
Old age is a special problem for me because I've never been able to shed the mental image I have of myself - a lad of about 19.
E. B. WhiteRead
The only means of ridding man of crime is ridding him of freedom.
Yevgeny ZamyatinRead
Is it not the great end of religion, and, in particular, the glory of Christianity, to extinguish the malignant passions; to curb the violence, to control the appetites, and to smooth the asperities of man; to make us compassionate and kind, and forgiving one to another; to make us good husbands, good fathers, good friends; and to render us active and useful in the discharge of the relative social and civil duties?
William WilberforceRead
I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.'
Billy GrahamRead
All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.
Immanuel KantRead