Quotes With Meaning
Man has been called a rational being, but rationality is a matter of choice — and the alternative his nature offers him is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man — by choice; he has to hold his life as a value — by choice; he has to learn to sustain it — by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues — by choice.
Man has been called a rational being, but rationality is a matter of choice — and the alternative his nature offers him is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man — by choice; he has to hold his life as a value — by choice; he has to learn to sustain it — by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues — by choice.
This quote emphasizes that rationality is not an inherent trait but a conscious choice every individual must make. Rand argues that humanity faces a fundamental decision: to embrace rationality and value life or to succumb to destructive instincts. Living a meaningful life requires active choices about sustaining one’s existence, identifying essential values, and practicing virtues. This perspective highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the freedom to shape one’s own path. It suggests that growth and fulfillment come from deliberate actions rather than passive existence. Ultimately, one must choose to be truly human, which is a powerful reminder of the agency we all hold in defining our lives.