To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
In order to deal with reality successfully - to pursue and achieve the values which his life requires - man needs self-esteem; he needs to be confident of his efficacy and worth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-esteem is essential for individuals to effectively navigate reality and achieve their life goals.
Ayn Rand emphasizes the importance of self-esteem in a person's ability to successfully engage with the world around them. Without a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in one's abilities, individuals may struggle to pursue and realize the values and goals that give their lives meaning. Therefore, fostering self-esteem is crucial for personal success and fulfillment.
Themes
Self-EsteemConfidenceSuccessValuesWorth
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to inspire attendees at a personal development workshop.
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
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The biggest difference between England and America is that England has history, while America has geography.
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Gentlemen, I am tormented by questions; answer them for me.
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One of the greatest snares is the number of good things we might do. Jesus Christ never did the good things He might have done, He did everything He ought to do because He had His eye fixed on His Father's will and He sacrificed Himself for His Father.
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How we experience memory sometimes, it's not linear. We're not telling the stories to ourselves. We know the story; we're just seeing it in flashes overlaid.
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Now if the religious skeptic is right, we can know nothing about God. And if we can know nothing about God, how can we know God so well that we can know that he cannot be known? How can we know that God cannot and did not reveal himself—and perhaps even through human reason?
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