To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Kira, the highest thing in man is not his god. It's that in him which knows the reverence due a god. And you, Kira, are my highest reverence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of the human capacity for reverence and moral understanding over mere worship of a god.
Ayn Rand, through this quote, highlights that the true essence of humanity lies in our ability to recognize and honor higher principles, such as reverence for the divine. It suggests that while divine beings may inspire us, it is our innate understanding and respect for these ideals that truly elevates us as humans. The quote also expresses deep personal admiration, suggesting that the speaker sees Kira as a representation of this highest form of reverence.
Themes
ReverenceHumanityDivineAdmirationPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the value of respect for higher ideals.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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For the rest, whatever we have got has been by infinite labor, and search, and ranging through every corner of nature; the difference is that instead of dirt and poison, we have rather chosen to fill our hives with honey and wax, thus furnishing mankind with the two noblest of things, which are sweetness and light.
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Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
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There is nothing more provocative than minding your own business.
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A government or a party gets the people it deserves and sooner or later a people gets the government it deserves.
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