Every period ruled by mystics was an era of stagnation and want, when most men were on strike against existence.
Ayn RandCapitalism has been called a system of greedโyet it is the system that raised the standard of living of its poorest citizens to heights no collectivist system has ever begun to equal, and no tribal gang can conceive of.
Ayn RandA rational man never distorts or corrupts his own standards and judgment in order to appeal to the irrationality, stupidity, or dishonesty of others.
Ayn RandOf all the statist violations of individual rights in a mixed economy, the military draft is the worst. It is an abrogation of rights. It negates manโs fundamental right-the right to life-and establishes the fundamental principle of statism: that a manโs life belongs to the state, and the state may claim it by compelling him to sacrifice it in battle. Once that principle is accepted, the rest is only a matter of time.
Ayn Rand