To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
The great creators - the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors - stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor was considered foolish. The airplane was considered impossible... But the men of unborrowed vision went ahead. They fought, they suffered and they paid. But they won.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great innovators face opposition but persevere to achieve success.
This quote by Ayn Rand emphasizes the struggles that great thinkers and creators face when introducing revolutionary ideas. It highlights the resilience required to defy societal norms and the eventual triumph that comes from unwavering commitment to one's vision, despite facing criticism and disbelief from peers.
Themes
CreativityInnovationVisionResilienceStruggle
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire young inventors.
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
Similar quotes
They're not prosthetics. They're my bones. They come out when I’m inspired. They've always been inside of me, but I have been waiting for the right time to reveal to the universe who I truly am.
Lady GagaRead
So let the way wind up the hill or down, O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, New friendship, high adventure, and a crown. My heart will keep the courage of the quest, And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
Henry Van DykeRead
I learned to ride a ten-speed when I was 4 or 5. My uncle gave me the bike, hand-me-down, and everyone used to stare at me riding up and down this block. I was too short to reach the pedals, so I put my legs through the V of the frame. I was famous. The little kid who could ride the ten-speed.
Jay-ZRead
I was not naturally talented. I didn't sing, dance or act, though working around that minor detail made me inventive.
Steve MartinRead
Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventures.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Never underestimate your ability to make someone else's life better - even if you never know it.
Greg LouganisRead