To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
America's founding Ideal was the principle of individual rights. Nothing more - and nothing less.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Individual rights form the cornerstone of America's founding principles.
This quote by Ayn Rand emphasizes the significance of individual rights as the fundamental ideal upon which America was built. It suggests that the recognition and protection of each person's rights are essential to the American identity, and that these rights are both the starting point and the ultimate goal of the nation's values and governance.
Themes
Individual RightsFreedomPhilosophyAmericaLiberty
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of civil liberties, one might quote this to emphasize individual rights.
More from Ayn Rand
All quotes βThe 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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I do think this next century, hopefully, will be about a more global view. Where you don't just think, 'Yes, my country is doing well,' but you think about the world at large.
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