To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
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.
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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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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