To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
A rational process is a moral process. You may make an error at any step of it, with nothing to protect you but your own severity, or you may try to cheat, to fake the evidence and evade the effort of the quest - but if devotion to the truth is the hallmark of morality, then there is no greater, nobler, more heroic form of devotion than the act of a man who assumes the responsibility of thinking.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that rational thinking is essential for moral integrity and personal responsibility.
In this quote, Ayn Rand asserts that moral behavior stems from a commitment to rational thought. She argues that while one can make mistakes, true morality is demonstrated through the honest pursuit of truth. To assume responsibility for one's thoughts is the highest form of devotion, as it requires not only honesty but also courage to confront reality and one's own beliefs.
Themes
RationalityMoralityTruthResponsibilityThinking
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech on the importance of integrity in leadership.
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
Drunkenness does not create vice; it merely brings it into view.
Seneca The YoungerRead
It is good to have an intellectual awareness of our dependence upon God - to understand how great He is and how very small we are in His sight.
Mother AngelicaRead
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.
Franklin D. RooseveltRead
I lose and find myself in the long water. I am gathered together once more.
Theodore RoethkeRead
Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.
Gore VidalRead
Make account that thou hast done nothing, and then thou hast done all. For if, being sinners, when we account ourselves to be what we are, we become righteous, as indeed the Publican did; how much more, when being righteous we account ourselves to be sinners.
Saint John ChrysostomRead