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The first right on earth is the right of the ego. Man's first duty is to himself. His moral law is never to place his prime goal within the persons of others. His moral obligation is to do what he wishes, provided his wish does not depend primarily upon other men.
Ayn Rand
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of self-interest and individualism over the needs of others.

Ayn Rand argues that the primary obligation of an individual is to oneself, promoting the idea of self-interest as a moral imperative. She asserts that one should not sacrifice personal goals or desires for the sake of others, but rather pursue one's own happiness and fulfillment, as long as it doesn’t infringe on others' rights.

Themes

Self-InterestIndividualismEgoPersonal ObligationMoral Law

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about personal values at a self-help seminar.

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