Ayn Rand held that art is a 're-creation of reality according to an artist's metaphysical value-judgements.' By its nature, therefore, a novel (like a statue or a symphony) does not require or tolerate an explanatory preface it is a self-contained universe, aloof from commentary, beckoning the reader to enter, perceive, respond.

The worse the coming future, the more it should motivate its opponents.

The unphilosophical majority among men are the ones most helplessly dependent on their era's dominant ideas. In times of crises these men need the guidance of some kind of theory but, being unfamiliar with the field of ideas, they do not know that alternatives to the popular theories are possible. They know only what they have always been taught.

Each man must reach his own verdict, by weighing all the relevant evidence.

The more you learn, if you learn it properly, the more clear you become and the more you know.

To save the world is the simplest thing in the world. All one has to do is think.