Ayn Rand ( 10 of 52 )
Man is a being with free will; therefore, each man is potentially good or evil, and it's up to him read more
Man is a being with free will; therefore, each man is potentially good or evil, and it's up to him and only him (through his reasoning mind) to decide which he wants to be.
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.
There is a level of cowardice lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist.
There is a level of cowardice lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist.
A culture is made -- or destroyed -- by its articulate voices.
A culture is made -- or destroyed -- by its articulate voices.
"Mediocrity" doesn't mean average intelligence, it means an average intelligence that resents and envies its betters.
"Mediocrity" doesn't mean average intelligence, it means an average intelligence that resents and envies its betters.
Contrary to the vulgar belief that men are motivated primarily by materialistic considerations, we now see the capitalist system being read more
Contrary to the vulgar belief that men are motivated primarily by materialistic considerations, we now see the capitalist system being discredited and destroyed all over the world, even though this system has given men the greatest material comforts
Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of read more
Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).
When personal judgment is inoperative (or forbidden), men's first concern is not how to choose, but how to justify their read more
When personal judgment is inoperative (or forbidden), men's first concern is not how to choose, but how to justify their choice
There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is read more
There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil.
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?
