To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Every coercive monopoly was created by government intervention into the economy: by special privileges, such as franchises or subsidies, which closed the entry of competitors into a given field, by legislative action.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Government intervention often leads to monopolies by restricting competition through privileges or subsidies.
Ayn Rand's quote suggests that coercive monopolies do not arise from natural market forces, but rather from government actions that intentionally limit competition. This perspective aligns with Rand's broader philosophy that advocates for free markets and minimal government interference, asserting that such interventions distort economic dynamics and lead to monopolistic practices that harm consumers and the economy at large.
Themes
MonopolyGovernmentInterventionEconomyCompetition
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on economic policy, one might quote this to argue against excessive government regulation.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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