To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Poverty is not a mortgage on the labor of others-misfortu ne is not a mortgage on achievement-fai lure is not a mortgage on success-sufferi ng is not a claim check, and its relief is not the goal of existence-man is not a sacrificial animal on anyone’s altar nor for anyone’s cause-life is not one huge hospital.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that hardships should not define or limit one's life or achievements.
Ayn Rand asserts that poverty, misfortune, failure, and suffering are not inherent claims to success or purpose in life. Each individual is not destined to be a victim or a sacrifice for others, and existence should not be seen merely as enduring pain but rather as an opportunity to achieve and live fully.
Themes
PovertySufferingSuccessAchievementLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
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.
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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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