--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If I can’t, then that would make it an…" description: "\"“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 governm..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/ayn-rand-59_absolutes_if-i-can-t-then-that-would-make-it-an-ab_3217083.jpg" --- # If I can’t, then that would make it an absolute and you… ![“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.” quote by Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/ayn-rand-59_absolutes_if-i-can-t-then-that-would-make-it-an-ab_3217083.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/ayn-rand-59_absolutes_if-i-can-t-then-that-would-make-it-an-ab_3217083.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/18b/ayn-rand-59_absolutes_if-i-can-t-then-that-would-make-it-an-ab_3217083.jpg) > ““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.”” [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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