To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy . . . Happiness is possible only to a rational man, the man who desires nothing but rational goals,_x000D_ seeks nothing but rational values, and finds his joy in nothing but rational actions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is achieved through rationality and aligning desires with logical goals.
Ayn Rand's quote suggests that true happiness stems from a state of joy that is free from contradictions. She posits that only a rational person, who pursues logical goals and values, can attain this state of happiness, as joy is derived from actions that are grounded in reason.
Themes
HappinessRationalityJoyValuesGoals
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a motivational speech about pursuing logical goals for a fulfilling life.
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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.
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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.
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Let the jerks of the world serve as the perfect example of what you don't want to be. You'll be a heck of a lot happier, and in the long run, there's a chance that other person at work will end up asking what your secret is. Why are you the happy one? In other words, don't let your thoughts think you. Besides, if you're really gonna get pissed, don't waste it on your family, friends, or coworkers, save it for something that really matters.
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Joy, feeling one's own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.
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That man is rich whose pleasures are the cheapest.
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