To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
What is kinder--to believe the best of people and burden them with a nobility beyond their endurance--or to see them as they are, and accept it because it makes them comfortable?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions whether it is better to hold an idealized view of people or to accept them as they truly are.
Ayn Rand's quote delves into the philosophical debate on human nature and perception. It presents a dilemma between two perspectives: believing in the inherent nobility of individuals, which may impose unrealistic expectations on them, versus accepting people at face value, which may lead to complacency. The quote challenges us to consider the implications of both approaches on our relationships and societal interactions, ultimately asking which perspective is more compassionate or beneficial.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a discussion about interpersonal relationships in a psychology class.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
Thus Gotama [Buddha] walked toward the town to gather alms, and the two samanas recognized him solely by the perfection of his repose, by the calmness of his figure, in which there was no trace of seeking, desiring, imitating, or striving, only light and peace
They change their skies, _x000D_ but not their souls _x000D_ who run across the sea.
In time you may discover everything that can be discovered, and still your progress will only be progress away from humanity. The distance between you and them can one day become so great that your joyous cry over some new gain could be answered by an universal shriek of horror.
Take care, lest an adventure is now offered you, which, if accepted, will plunge you in deepest woe.
Without justice and love, peace will always be a great illusion.
The passion for the past is clearly about more than market forces or government policies. History responds to a variety of needs, from greater understanding of ourselves and our world to answers about what to do.