Absolutes Quote by Ayn Rand
““If I can’t, then that would make it an absolute and you said there aren’t any absolutes.” “That’s different.” “How is it different?” “It’s the government.” “You mean, there aren’t any absolutes except the government?” “I mean, if they say it’s important, then it is.””
About This Quote
The speaker argues that the government is the sole absolute, implying that all other truths are relative.
In simple terms: Government is seen as the only unchanging rule.
Key Takeaway
Question the claim that any entity can be an absolute.
Themes
philosophy
politics
relativism
authority
truth
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
dialogue
When to use this quote
- debates about law
- policy making
- ethical discussions
- academic seminars
Key Concepts
Objectivism
subjectivism
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What other absolutes might exist?
- Can authority be absolute without moral justification?
A Different Perspective
Assuming the government is the only absolute ignores other moral or natural absolutes.
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
