Ayn RandAyn Rand, [Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum] (1905-1982) Russian-American novelist, philosopher, playwright, and screenwriter

Ayn Rand Quote

“There can be no compromise on basic principles. There can be no compromise on moral issues. There can be no compromise on matters of knowledge, of truth, of rational conviction.”

Ayn RandAyn Rand
~ Ayn Rand


Ratings and Comments


Waffler, Smith

What does she mean by BASIC? What issues are moral and what are not? I agree with her on knowledge but would prefer she said FACTS. Truth okay as long as it is objective truth. I am to tired this AM to discuss rational conviction.

J Carlton, Calgary

Rational Conviction = Natural Law. ie: I have the right to defend my person, family and property and I don't need some government lawyer telling whether I can, can't or how I should do so. That's pretty basic.

dick, fort worth

A totally nonsensical remark.

E Archer, NYC

If you are unfamiliar with the basic principles of America, I suggest re-reading the Declaration of Independence. Basic principles include that each individual is born with natural born rights (referred to as 'endowed by our Creator,' which simply means NOT from other men but from 'Nature's god' in whatever form that may be) and that our government is a servant to the People, not the other way around, and that our government does not grant any rights whatsoever -- it is supposed to protect our rights. How about the 10 commandments -- are those basic principles? How about 'garbage in, garbage out' -- is that a basic enough principle for you? Using the law to lay claim to what is not yours may be a basic principle in totalitarian countries but it cannot be in free countries, and whenever we compromise on such basic principles, it becomes a precedent for another and another. INTEGRITY is still the responsibility of every individual, and when we sell out our principles, we eventually lose our very souls.

RBESRQ
  • 1
  • 3
  • Reply
RBESRQ    9/27/10

I agree with dick

warren, olathe

As always she says it perfectly.

GunnyCee, Durham

Gotta love those air heads who ask, "What basic principles?" "Who's morality?" Don't they know that basic principles and morals are self-evident? Have they not checked out the 10 Commandments? Whether you are a religious person or not, a Christian, or a Muslim, those basic principles are all self-evident. The Golden Rule is self-evident. The wisdom of the ages is self-evident. So don't any of you liberals give us that crap about not knowing what principles and whose morals to follow. Case in point: GM union workers caught drinking beer and smoking pot at lunch break. They were on the premises too. They get fired, but the unions will no doubt negotiate with higher management and get all of these clowns all their back pay and will be returned to their jobs. This has always been the case in the past, no reason for it to change now. This is morally wrong and breaks the principle of doing your work to the best of your ability (not under the influence of drugs and alcohol). These people only have jobs because we the taxpayers bailed their dumb a..ses out. No wonder we cannot compete with foreign car makers.

Ron, Salem
  • 3
  • Reply
Ron, Salem    10/1/10

Yea perhaps if they worked in a brewery in a green state and were on break with the boss it would be ok. Get the picture there are those that drink, dance, smoke and play cards. Discretion and moderation has always been and will always be the mode of the code of consumption. Compassion for the ignorant of natural law, and show some tact for your students sir. In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly. If you wish to quote the law then speak of mercy, faith and judgment which are the weightier matters of the law. KJB. Consider Noah and give every one a break, . There is no respect of persons with God or the Constitution. Knowledge, truth and rational conviction, to win the trust and the soul of people caught in ignorance. A sober mind founded in truth from a body of knowledge called the rock upon which the republic rest. AJ. Those workers pay taxes also, being able to stay sober is a problem for a lot of people these days, don't you think. Addictions are on the rise because of oppression and the lack of moral guidance in the home and work place. listen to the conversations of the common man and women to see they are losing hope, so give them some. the law of faith and grace.

Ancaps, Ancapolis

Compromise with evil and evil wins. Consensus is for collectivists.

cal, Lewisville, Texas

That's right Warren. Ayn always gets it right.

Mike, Norwalk

The here referenced "principles" when identified as "basic" ties the understanding to the laws of nature and of nature's God. Those principles derived from natural law depicting absolute truth. The same can be said about "moral issues", "knowledge" (as is averse to mere retained information), "truth" and "rational conviction". No matter man's folly (acting as perceived gods with ability to create law, truth being an abstract as to carnal desires, etc.) natural law with its extensions (principles, rational conviction, etc.) will always ultimately reign supreme. With that understanding, "compromise" is not possible. Compromise is only applicable as how to administer natural law.

Ronw13, Oregon

Slaves are made in such a way of compromise !

@

Get a Quote-a-Day!

Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box daily.