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Life Quote by Ayn Rand

“You want to do it?" "I might. If you offer me enough." "Howard—anything you ask. Anything. I'd sell my soul..." "That's the sort of thing I want you to understand. To sell your soul is the easiest thing in the world. That's what everybody does every hour of his life. If I asked you to keep your…” quote by Ayn Rand
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““You want to do it?" "I might. If you offer me enough." "Howard—anything you ask. Anything. I'd sell my soul..." "That's the sort of thing I want you to understand. To sell your soul is the easiest thing in the world. That's what everybody does every hour of his life. If I asked you to keep your soul—would you understand why that's much harder?””

Ayn Rand

About This Quote

Source Novel: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, 1957

Selling one's soul is portrayed as an easy, everyday compromise, while preserving it is portrayed as challenging.

In simple terms: Compromising values is easy; staying true is hard.

Key Takeaway

Guard your core principles against easy compromises.

Themes

integrity compromise values

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • political activism
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

ethical dilemma personal sacrifice philosophical debate

Questions to Reflect On

  • What values are you willing to compromise for convenience?
  • How can you recognize when a compromise is eroding your integrity?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex moral choices.

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