To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Self respect is something that can't be killed. The worst thing is to kill a man's pretense at it.
Interpretation
Self-respect is an enduring quality that cannot be destroyed, but the illusion of self-respect can be easily undermined.
In this quote, Ayn Rand emphasizes the importance of genuine self-respect and warns against the dangers of deceiving oneself or others about one's worth. The act of maintaining a faΓ§ade of self-respect is portrayed as detrimental, for it can lead to a loss of authenticity and inner strength. True self-respect comes from within and cannot be extinguished, but pretending to possess it when one doesn't can be damaging.
In practice
During a motivational speech about personal integrity.
To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You told me once that we shall be judged by our intentions, not by our accomplishments. I thought it a grand remark. But we must intend to accomplish - not sit intending on a chair.
Of all the things that can have an effect on your future, I believe personal growth is the greatest.
The youth do not see the old. They are not programmed to see the old, who are cancelled, negated, wiped out.
I think if you're impregnated with good literature, with good culture, you're much more difficult to manipulate, and you're much more aware of the dangers that powers represent.
We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers - but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault, because if you wanted to change you're the one who has got to change.
To put away one's own original thoughts in order to take up a book is a sin against the Holy Ghost.
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