To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Happiness is a state of non-contradictory joy . . . Happiness is possible only to a rational man, the man who desires nothing but rational goals,_x000D_ seeks nothing but rational values, and finds his joy in nothing but rational actions.
Interpretation
Happiness is achieved through rationality and aligning desires with logical goals.
Ayn Rand's quote suggests that true happiness stems from a state of joy that is free from contradictions. She posits that only a rational person, who pursues logical goals and values, can attain this state of happiness, as joy is derived from actions that are grounded in reason.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a motivational speech about pursuing logical goals for a fulfilling life.
To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The mind is the source of happiness and unhappiness.
Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
The unhappy person resents it when you try to cheer him up, because that means he has to stop dwelling on himself and start paying attention to the universe. Unhappiness is the ultimate form of self-indulgence. When you're unhappy, you get to pay a lot of attention to yourself. You get to take yourself oh so very seriously.
Why not seize the pleasure at once? -- How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!
I have worries and fears just like everybody else. But I have every reason to wake up each morning and be very happy.
These firecrackers outside and these lights outside cannot make you rejoice. They are only for children; for you, they are just a nuisance. But in your inner world there can be a continuity of lights, songs, joys. Always remember that society compensates you when it feels that the repressed may explode into a dangerous situation if it is not compensated. Society finds some way of allowing you to let out the repressed. But this is not true celebration, and it cannot be true.
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