To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Guilt is altruism's stock in trade, and the inducing of guilt is its only means of self-perpetuati on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Guilt can often be manipulated to promote altruistic behavior, suggesting that guilt is necessary for altruism to thrive.
In this quote, Ayn Rand suggests that guilt serves as a fundamental tool for promoting altruism. She argues that the feeling of guilt is often used to compel individuals to engage in selfless acts, and that the propagation of guilt is what enables altruism to sustain itself in society. This perspective implies that altruism may not be as noble as it seems, as it relies on the cultivation of guilt to motivate individuals.
Themes
GuiltAltruismSelf-PerpetuationPhilosophyEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the complexities of moral responsibility in a philosophy class.
More from Ayn Rand
All quotes βThe 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
Free from gross passion or of mirth of anger constant spirit, not swerving with the blood, garnish'd and deck'd in modest compliment, not working with the eye without the ear, and but in purged judgement trusting neither? Such and so finely bolted didst thou seem.
William ShakespeareRead
To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.
Khalil GibranRead
anytime you catch folks lying, they scared of something!
Zora Neale HurstonRead
Self-definition and self-determination is about the many varied decisions that we make to compose and journey toward ourselves, about the audacity and strength to proclaim, create, and evolve into who we know ourselves to be. Itβs okay if your personal definition is in a constant state of flux as you navigate the world.
Janet MockRead
Sports is to war as pornography is to sex. We get to exercise some ancient, ancient drives.
Jonathan HaidtRead
A few hours of mountain climbing make a blackguard and a saint two rather similar creatures.
Friedrich NietzscheRead