To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
Through all the years that I spent formulating my philosophical system, I was looking desperately for “intelligent agreement” or at least for “intelligent disagreement.” I found neither. Today, I am not looking for “intelligent disagreement” any longer ... What I am looking for is intelligent agreement.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the search for intelligent consensus over mere debate or disagreement.
Ayn Rand expresses her experience of seeking philosophical dialogue that is constructive and insightful. She highlights a transformation in her perspective, shifting from a focus on contentious exchanges to a desire for deeper understanding and common ground in ideas, suggesting that meaningful discussions can lead to better outcomes than conflict.
Themes
Intelligent AgreementDisagreementPhilosophyDialogueUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate, I reflected on the importance of finding common ground instead of just arguing.
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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