To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Capitalism has created the highest standard of living ever known on earth. The evidence is incontrovertible. The contrast between West and East Berlin is the latest demonstration, like a laboratory experiment for all to see. Yet those who are loudest in proclaiming their desire to eliminate poverty are loudest in denouncing capitalism. Man's well-being is not their goal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Capitalism has greatly improved living standards, yet some call for its elimination despite its benefits.
Ayn Rand argues that capitalism has led to unprecedented prosperity and a high standard of living, evidenced by the stark contrast between the economies of West and East Berlin. She suggests that those who criticize capitalism while advocating for the elimination of poverty may not have the genuine well-being of mankind as their goal, highlighting a contradiction in their beliefs.
Themes
CapitalismStandard Of LivingPovertyWell-BeingEconomy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on economic systems, one might quote Ayn Rand to support the argument for capitalism.
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
We are as ignorant of the meaning of the dragon as we are of the meaning of the universe.
Jorge Luis BorgesRead
I know that a man who shows me his wealth is like the beggar who shows me his poverty; they are both looking for alms from me, the rich man for the alms of my envy, the poor man for the alms of my guilt.
Ben HechtRead
I hate endings. Just detest them. Beginnings are definitely the most exciting, middles are perplexing and endings are a disaster. … The temptation towards resolution, towards wrapping up the package, seems to me a terrible trap. Why not be more honest with the moment? The most authentic endings are the ones which are already revolving towards another beginning. That’s genius.
Sam ShepardRead
Meditation is not 'going somewhere;' it's diving deep here, this moment.
Sri Sri Ravi ShankarRead
Some people, and I am one of them, hate happy ends. We feel cheated. Harm is the norm.
Vladimir NabokovRead
Shadow work is the path of the heart warrior.
Carl JungRead