To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Whatever may be open to disagreement, there is one act of evil that may not, the act that no man may commit against others and no man may sanction or forgive. So long as men desire to live together, no man may initiate—do you hear me? no man may start—the use of physical force against others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the moral obligation to refrain from initiating violence against others.
Ayn Rand asserts that within any society, the use of physical force against others is an unequivocal moral violation that cannot be justified or forgiven. She argues that for civilization to thrive, individuals must commit to peaceful coexistence and reject any act of aggression, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and personal responsibility in human relationships.
Themes
ViolenceForceMoralityPeaceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of non-violence in conflict resolution.
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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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This formidable censor of the public functionaries [the press], by arraigning them at the tribunal of public opinion, produces reform peaceably, which must otherwise be done by revolution. It is also the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man and improving him as a rational, moral, and social being.
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