A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it; action presupposes a goal which is worth achieving
A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it; action presupposes a goal which is worth achieving
Ayn Rand, the influential philosopher and novelist, is known for her advocacy of individualism, rational self-interest, and the pursuit of one's own happiness. In her works, she often emphasizes the importance of having desires and goals in life, as they are what drive individuals to take action and achieve their full potential.The quote "A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it; action presupposes a goal which is worth achieving" perfectly encapsulates Rand's philosophy. According to Rand, desires are not mere whims or fleeting emotions, but rather the fuel that propels individuals towards their goals. Without desires, there would be no motivation to take action and strive for something better.
However, Rand also believed that not all desires are equal. In her view, a desire is only worth pursuing if it aligns with one's rational self-interest and contributes to one's overall well-being. This is where the concept of a goal comes into play. A goal is not just any arbitrary endpoint, but rather a meaningful objective that is worth the effort and sacrifice required to achieve it.
For Rand, the pursuit of one's goals is not only a means to personal fulfillment, but also a moral imperative. She believed that individuals have a right to pursue their own happiness and that it is their duty to do so. In her novel "Atlas Shrugged," Rand portrays a world where individuals are free to pursue their own goals and ambitions, without being hindered by the demands of others.