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Nature Quote by ayn rand

“It's interesting to speculate on the reasons that make men so anxious to debase themselves. As in that idea of feeling small before nature. It's not a bromide, it's practically an institution. Have you noticed how self-righteous a man sounds when he tells you about it? Look, he seems to say, I'm…” quote by ayn rand
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““It's interesting to speculate on the reasons that make men so anxious to debase themselves. As in that idea of feeling small before nature. It's not a bromide, it's practically an institution. Have you noticed how self-righteous a man sounds when he tells you about it? Look, he seems to say, I'm so glad to be a pygmy, that's how virtuous I am. Have you heard with what delight people quote some great celebrity who's proclaimed that he's not so great when he looks at Niagara Falls? It's as if they were smacking their lips in sheer glee that their best is dust before the brute force of an earthquake. As if they were sprawling on all fours, rubbing their foreheads in the mud to the majesty of a hurricane. But that's not the spirit that leashed fire, steam, electricity, that crossed oceans in sailing sloops, that built airplanes and dams...and skyscrapers. What is it they fear? What is they hate so much, those who love to crawl? And why?””

ayn rand

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Virtue of Self‑Abasement?" (hypothetical), 1950s

People glorify self‑debasement to feel humble before nature, but this mindset hinders progress and innovation.

In simple terms: Praising humility over ambition limits achievement.

Key Takeaway

Avoid glorifying self‑humiliation; pursue meaningful goals.

Themes

humility self‑debasement progress human nature

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • career ambition
  • creative projects
  • leadership
  • personal development

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we sometimes admire self‑effacement?
  • How can we balance humility with ambition?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasizing humility can suppress healthy self‑esteem.

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