To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Every period ruled by mystics was an era of stagnation and want, when most men were on strike against existence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that periods dominated by mysticism hinder human progress and prosperity.
Ayn Rand argues that times influenced by mysticism lead to stagnation and suffering, as people disengage from reality and suppress their existence. In her view, reliance on mystical beliefs obstructs rational thought and prevents humanity from achieving its full potential and flourishing.
Themes
MysticismStagnationExistenceRationalityProgress
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the dangers of unchecked beliefs, one might quote this to highlight the importance of reason.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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