Ayn Rand

America's abundance was not created by public sacrifices to "the common good", but by the productive genius of free men read more

America's abundance was not created by public sacrifices to "the common good", but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their own personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes

Evil requires the sanction of the victim.

Evil requires the sanction of the victim.

Money is your means of survival. The verdict you pronounce upon the source of your livelihood is the verdict you read more

Money is your means of survival. The verdict you pronounce upon the source of your livelihood is the verdict you pronounce upon your life. If the source is corrupt, you have damned your own existence. Did you get your money by fraud? By pandering to men's vices or men's stupidity? By catering to fools, in the hope of getting more than your ability deserves? By lowering your standards? By doing work you despise for purchasers your scorn? If so, then your money will not give you a moment's or a penny's worth of joy. Then all the things you buy will become, not a tribute to you, but a reproach; not an achievement, but a reminder of shame. Then you'll scream that money is evil. Evil, because it would not pinch-hit for your self-respect? Evil, because it would not let you enjoy your depravity? Is this the root of your hatred of money?

Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future.

Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future.

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.