To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
The uncontested absurdities of today are the accepted slogans of tomorrow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
What seems absurd today may become widely accepted in the future.
Ayn Rand's quote highlights the fluidity of societal norms and beliefs, suggesting that ideas or concepts that appear irrational or absurd in the present time can evolve into widely accepted truths in the future. This reflects the nature of progress and the way in which culture and ideology can change over time, challenging us to rethink our perceptions of current beliefs and values.
Themes
AbsurdityBeliefSocietyChangeSlogan
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on cultural evolution, this quote can illustrate how perceptions shift over generations.
More from Ayn Rand
All quotes βThe difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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.
Ayn RandRead
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How terrible it is to have no cares, no longings. I do not fit. I feel too deeply and want too much. As cages go, it is a gilded one, but I shall not live well in it or any cage for that matter.
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