Moved by a passion they do not understand for a goal they seldom reach, men and women are haunted by the vision of a distant possibility that refuses to be extinguished.
Nathaniel BrandenHow do we keep our inner fire alive? Two things, at minimum, are needed: an ability to appreciate the positives in our life โ and a commitment to action. Every day, it's important to ask and answer these questions: โWhat's good in my life?โ and โWhat needs to be done?
Nathaniel BrandenThe policy of seeking values from human beings by means of force, when practiced by an individual, is called crime. When practiced by a government, it is called statism.
Nathaniel BrandenTo live consciously means to seek to be aware of everything that bears on our actions, purposes, values, and goalsโto the best of our ability, whatever that ability may beโand to behave in accordance with that which we see and know.
Nathaniel BrandenIn the nature of our existence, we must act to achieve values. And in order to act appropriately, we need to value the beneficiary of our actions. In order to seek values, we must consider ourselves worthy of enjoying them. In order to fight for our happiness, we must consider ourselves worthy of happiness.
Nathaniel Branden