To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
But you see," said Roark quietly, "I have, let’s say, sixty years to live. Most of that time will be spent working. I’ve chosen the work I want to do. If I find no joy in it, then I’m only condemning myself to sixty years of torture. And I can find the joy only if I do my work in the best way possible to me. But the best is a matter of standards—and I set my own standards. I inherit nothing. I stand at the end of no tradition. I may, perhaps, stand at the beginning of one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of choosing work that brings joy and setting personal standards for success.
In this quote, Roark speaks to the essence of genuine fulfillment through work. He illustrates that life is finite, and if one does not derive joy from their chosen profession, it leads to a lifetime of dissatisfaction. By asserting that he will define his own standards rather than adhere to inherited traditions, he champions individuality and personal integrity in the pursuit of purpose.
Themes
WorkJoyStandardsIndividualityPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire a graduation speech about choosing a career that aligns with personal passions.
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.
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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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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.
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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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God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation.
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