To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
She thought how strange it would be if she ever said 'Hello' to him. One did not greet oneself each morning.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the idea of self-awareness and the relationship one has with oneself.
In this quote, Ayn Rand explores the concept of self-acknowledgment and the awkwardness of greeting oneself. It suggests that while we engage with others in the world, we often overlook the importance of recognizing and understanding our own existence and identity, implying that self-reflection is as crucial as interactions with others.
In practice
In a motivational speech about self-acceptance, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of recognizing oneself.
To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nationalism has two fatal charms for its devotees: It presupposes local self-sufficiency, which is a pleasant and desirable condition, and it suggests, very subtly, a certain personal superiority by reason of one's belonging to a place which is definable and familiar, as against a place that is strange, remote.
I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice, therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects.
Remember this. Hold on to this. This is the only perfection there is, the perfection of helping others. This is the only thing we can do that has any lasting meaning. This is why we're here. To make each other feel safe.
Simple assent to the gospel, divorced from a transforming commitment to the living Christ, is by Biblical standards less than faith, and less than saving, and to elicit only assent of this kind would be to secure only false conversions.
New York is the only real city-city.
Liberty is a different kind of pain from prison.
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