To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the dangers of vague definitions and the consequences they have on existing rights.
Ayn Rand's quote suggests that when concepts are diluted by assigning them meanings that do not align with reality, such as granting rights to the unborn, it can undermine the rights of those who are living. The dilution of meaning can lead to confusion and conflicts in ethics and morality, as it shifts the focus from individuals in the present to those who do not yet exist, thereby prioritizing abstract concepts over tangible rights.
Themes
RightsMeaningAbortionDilutionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about ethical implications surrounding abortion.
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
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
Now you see, Dr. Stadler, you're speaking as if this book were addressing to a thinking audience. If it were, one would have to be concerned with such matters as accuracy, validity, logic and the prestige of science. But it isn't. It's addressed to the public.
Ayn RandRead
Similar quotes
Even my desire to become free or enlightened is just another craving for fulfillment or completion in the future. So don’t seek to become free or desire or “achieve” enlightenment. Become present.
Eckhart TolleRead
The crowning experience of all, for the homecoming man, is the wonderful feeling that, after all he has suffered, there is nothing he need fear anymore—except his God.
Viktor E. FranklRead
Be it or be it not true that Man is shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin, it is unquestionably true that Government is begotten of aggression, and by aggression.
Herbert SpencerRead
History has its truth; and so has legend hers.
Victor HugoRead
Donde termina el arco iris, en tu alma o en el horizonte? Where does the rainbow end, in your soul or on the horizon?
Pablo NerudaRead
Not knowing how he lost himself, or how he recovered himself, he may never feel certain of not losing himself again.
Charles DickensRead