Psychology Quote by Ayn Rand
““But since the work of man's mind is not automatic, his values, like all his premises, are product either of his thinking or of his evasions: man chooses his values by a conscious process of thought–or accepts them by default, by subconscious associations, on faith, on someone's authority, by some form of social osmosis or blind imitation. Emotions are produced by man's premises, held consciously or subconsciously, explicitly or implicitly.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Virtue of Selfishness” by Ayn Rand, 1964
Human values arise from conscious thought or unexamined acceptance; they are shaped by deliberate reasoning or passive influences like faith, authority, or social pressure.
In simple terms: Values come from thought or default acceptance.
Key Takeaway
Examine the origins of your beliefs.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
autonomy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- ethical debates
- education curricula
- leadership training
Key Concepts
critical thinking
social influence
value formation
consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- What values have you accepted without questioning?
- How do you differentiate conscious choice from subconscious adoption?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated values can be emotionally painful.
