To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
You are damned, and we wish to share your damnation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests a shared burden of suffering or condemnation among individuals.
Ayn Rand's quote highlights the complexity of human relationships, particularly emphasizing how individuals may find connection in shared experiences of suffering or moral failure. It reflects a darker view of humanity's tendency to bond over negative experiences, suggesting that in some cases, people not only endure their own struggles but also wish to partake in the struggles of others, reflecting a certain solidarity or shared fate in damnation.
Themes
DamnationSufferingConnectionSolidarityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the ethics of personal suffering, this quote could illustrate the darker side of human empathy.
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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