Ayn Rand ( 10 of 52 )
The spread of evil is the symptom of a vacuum. Whenever evil wins, it is only by default: by the read more
The spread of evil is the symptom of a vacuum. Whenever evil wins, it is only by default: by the moral failure of those who evade the fact that there can be no compromise on basic principles.
Contrary to the vulgar belief that men are motivated primarily by materialistic considerations, we now see the capitalist system being read more
Contrary to the vulgar belief that men are motivated primarily by materialistic considerations, we now see the capitalist system being discredited and destroyed all over the world, even though this system has given men the greatest material comforts
Man is a being with free will; therefore, each man is potentially good or evil, and it's up to him read more
Man is a being with free will; therefore, each man is potentially good or evil, and it's up to him and only him (through his reasoning mind) to decide which he wants to be.
There is a level of cowardice lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist.
There is a level of cowardice lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist.
Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future.
Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future.
The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.
The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.
A culture is made -- or destroyed -- by its articulate voices.
A culture is made -- or destroyed -- by its articulate voices.
Reality confronts man with a great many "musts," but all of them are conditional; the formula of realistic necessity is: read more
Reality confronts man with a great many "musts," but all of them are conditional; the formula of realistic necessity is: "You must, if " and the "if" stands for man's choice
When personal judgment is inoperative (or forbidden), men's first concern is not how to choose, but how to justify their read more
When personal judgment is inoperative (or forbidden), men's first concern is not how to choose, but how to justify their choice
Money is your means of survival. The verdict you pronounce upon the source of your livelihood is the verdict you read more
Money is your means of survival. The verdict you pronounce upon the source of your livelihood is the verdict you pronounce upon your life. If the source is corrupt, you have damned your own existence. Did you get your money by fraud? By pandering to men's vices or men's stupidity? By catering to fools, in the hope of getting more than your ability deserves? By lowering your standards? By doing work you despise for purchasers your scorn? If so, then your money will not give you a moment's or a penny's worth of joy. Then all the things you buy will become, not a tribute to you, but a reproach; not an achievement, but a reminder of shame. Then you'll scream that money is evil. Evil, because it would not pinch-hit for your self-respect? Evil, because it would not let you enjoy your depravity? Is this the root of your hatred of money?
