--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The word \"We\" is as lime poured over men…" description: "\"“The word \"We\" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b8/ayn-rand-59_god_the-word-we-is-as-lime-poured-over-men-w_1434696.jpg" --- # The word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and… ![“The word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lost equally in the grey of it. It is the word by which the depraved steal the virtue of the good, by which the weak steal the might of the…” quote by Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b8/ayn-rand-59_god_the-word-we-is-as-lime-poured-over-men-w_1434696.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b8/ayn-rand-59_god_the-word-we-is-as-lime-poured-over-men-w_1434696.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b8/ayn-rand-59_god_the-word-we-is-as-lime-poured-over-men-w_1434696.jpg) > ““The word "We" is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is white and that which is black are lost equally in the grey of it. It is the word by which the depraved steal the virtue of the good, by which the weak steal the might of the strong, by which the fools steal the wisdom of the sages. What is my joy if all hands, even the unclean, can reach into it? What is my wisdom, if even the fools can dictate to me? What is my freedom, if all creatures, even the botched and impotent, are my masters? What is my life, if I am but to bow, to agree and to obey? But I am done with this creed of corruption. I am done with the monster of "We," the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame. And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the earth, this god whom men have sought since men came into being, this god who will grant them joy and peace and pride. This god, this one word: "I.”” [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 quote condemns collectivism, arguing that the concept of "We" erodes individual virtue, strength, and freedom, and celebrates the power of the individual self. **In simple terms:** Collectivism destroys individuality; the self is supreme. Key Takeaway Embrace individualism, reject collective oppression. Themes individualism freedom collectivism egoism power Mood defiant assertive philosophical Type philosophical political motivational When to use this quote - political discourse - personal decision making - ethical debates - leadership - social movements Key Concepts Objectivism ethical individualism philosophy of self Questions to Reflect On - How does "We" benefit you? - Can individualism coexist with community? A Different Perspective Collectivist societies may argue that shared identity fosters solidarity and mutual support. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god/) [Historical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/historical/) [Individualism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individualism/) [Joy And Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy-and-peace/) [Political](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political/) ## Related quotes > [The word 'We' is as lime poured over men, which sets and hardens to stone, and crushes all beneath it, and that which is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/the-word-we-is-as-lime-poured-over-men-which-sets-and-hardens-to-2/) [Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/) > [“I am done with the monster of "We," the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame. 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It is the word by which the depraved steal the virtue of the good, by which the weak steal the might of the strong, by which the fools steal the wisdom of the sages. What is my joy if all hands, even the unclean, can reach into it? What is my wisdom, if even the fools can dictate to me? What is my freedom, if all creatures, even the botched and impotent, are my masters? What is my life, if I am but to bow, to agree and to obey? But I am done with this creed of corruption. I am done with the monster of \"We,\" the word of serfdom, of plunder, of misery, falsehood and shame. And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the earth, this god whom men have sought since men came into being, this god who will grant them joy and peace and pride. 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