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Man is a being with free will; therefore, each man is potentially good or evil, and it's up to him and only him (through his reasoning mind) to decide which he wants to be.
Ayn Rand
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Humans have the ability to choose their path, determining their moral character through reason.

Ayn Rand emphasizes the importance of free will in human nature, suggesting that each individual has the inherent ability to choose between good and evil. This capacity for reasoning empowers people to make moral decisions, highlighting personal responsibility in shaping one's character and actions.

Themes

Free WillMoralityReasoningPersonal ResponsibilityGoodEvil

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about ethics, this quote can illustrate the concept of personal choice in moral decisions.

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