To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
I am opposed to all forms of control; I am for an absolute laissez faire, free, unregulated economy. I am for the separation of the state and economics, just as we had separation of state and church, which led to peaceful coexistence among different religions...so the same applies to economics. If you separate the government from economics, if you do not regulate production and trade, you will have peaceful cooperation, and harmony and justice among men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote advocates for a free economy without government regulation, equating it to the separation of church and state that fosters peace among religions.
Ayn Rand argues for a completely unregulated economy, where government intervention is absent. She believes that just as the separation of church and state promotes peaceful coexistence among various religions, so too would a lack of governmental control over economics foster cooperation, harmony, and justice in society. By restraining government's influence on trade and production, Rand envisions a society where individuals can thrive and coexist without conflict.
Themes
Laissez FaireEconomyGovernmentFreedomCooperationPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on economic policy, one could quote Rand to argue against government regulations.
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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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