To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Since nature does not endow all men with equal beauty or equal intelligence, and the faculty of volition leads men to make different choices, the egalitarians propose to abolish the "unfairness" of nature and of volition, and to establish universal equality in fact - in defiance of facts. It is not equality before the law that they seek, but inequality: the establishment of an inverted social pyramid, with a new aristocracy on top - the aristocracy of non-value.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the pursuit of enforced equality by highlighting inherent inequalities in nature and choice.
In this quote, Ayn Rand argues against the ideologies of egalitarianism that seek to eliminate natural inequalities in beauty and intelligence. She suggests that their push for enforced equality not only defies the reality of human differences but also aims to create a new form of inequality through a social hierarchy that privileges those deemed 'non-value', undermining true merit and individuality.
Themes
EqualityInequalityPhilosophyChoiceNature
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about social justice and equality.
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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