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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
HappinessRationalityJoyValuesGoals
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a motivational speech about pursuing logical goals for a fulfilling life.
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
A person who's happy will make others happy; a person who has courage and faith will never die in misery
Anne FrankRead
More choice doesn't make us happy, and we understand that no one has infinite choices about how to live life.
Naomi AldermanRead
Drink deeply. Live in serenity and joy.
Gautama BuddhaRead
If we practice the science of yoga, which is useful to the entire human community and which yields happiness both here and hereafter - if we practice it without fail, we will then attain physical, mental, and spiritual happiness, and our minds will flood towards the Self.
K. Pattabhi JoisRead
As human beings we all want to be happy and free from misery._x000D_ _x000D_ We have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace._x000D_ _x000D_ The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as_x000D_ _x000D_ anger and attachment, fear and suspicion,_x000D_ _x000D_ while love and compassion, a sense of universal responsibility_x000D_ _x000D_ are the sources of peace and happiness.
Dalai LamaRead
What Western society teaches us is that if you get enough money, power, and beautiful people to have sex with, that's going to bring you happiness. That's what every commercial, every magazine, music, movie teaches us. That's a fallacy.
Adam YauchRead