Dagny, we can never lose the things we live for. We may have to change their form at times, if we've made an error, but the purpose remains the same and the forms are ours to make.

If the truth shall kill them, let them die.

Potentially, a government is the most dangerous threat to man's rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims.

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.

The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it.

When you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice, you may know that your society is doomed

We can evade reality, but we cannot evade the consequences of evading reality

So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of all money?

Every aspect of Western culture needs a new code of ethics - a rational ethics - as a precondition of rebirth.

You can ignore reality, but you can't ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.

But I don't think of you. - Howard Roark

It is a fine thing to establish one's own religion in one's heart, not to be dependent on tradition and second-hand ideals. Life will seem to you, later, not a lesser, but a greater thing.

Success is across the roaring river, the brave shall cross it

The pride which is proud of want of pride is the most intolerable of all.

Dull magic is a collection of tricks: great magic should sting.

The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others

The world of spying is my genre. My struggle is to demystify, to de-romanticise the spook world, but at the same time harness it as a good story.

A lot of people don't enjoy their jobs, and it's one of the main things we like to complain about.

You cannot sedate all the things you hate.

"In France," Marcel said with wintry dignity, "accidents occur in the bedroom, not the kitchen."