To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Poverty is not a mortgage on the labor of others-misfortu ne is not a mortgage on achievement-fai lure is not a mortgage on success-sufferi ng is not a claim check, and its relief is not the goal of existence-man is not a sacrificial animal on anyone’s altar nor for anyone’s cause-life is not one huge hospital.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that hardships should not define or limit one's life or achievements.
Ayn Rand asserts that poverty, misfortune, failure, and suffering are not inherent claims to success or purpose in life. Each individual is not destined to be a victim or a sacrifice for others, and existence should not be seen merely as enduring pain but rather as an opportunity to achieve and live fully.
Themes
PovertySufferingSuccessAchievementLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
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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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