To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Creation comes before distribution -- or there will be nothing to distribute.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creation must happen before sharing or distributing work to ensure there is something valuable to offer.
Ayn Rand emphasizes the importance of producing creative work before attempting to share it with others. This quote highlights the foundational role of creation in any process that involves distribution, suggesting that the act of creating is essential for providing value and meaning to an audience. Without the initial work, there is nothing worthwhile to present, making creation a fundamental priority.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about innovation, one might say, 'As Ayn Rand pointed out, creation comes before distribution, reminding us that we must produce ideas before we can share them.'
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.
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.
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It is through the intentionality of poetic imagination that the poet's soul discovers the opening of consciousness common to all true poetry.
It is an ancient need to be told stories. But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo.
Writing well involves walking the path of most resistance. Sitting still, being patient, allowing the lunatic dream to take shape on the page, then the shaping, the pencil on the page, breathing, slowing down, being willing–no, more than willing, being wide open–to press the bruise until it blossoms.
Low budgets force you to be more creative. Sometimes, with too much money, time and equipment, you can over-think. My way, you can use your gut instinct.