The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it

The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it

Ayn Rand, the influential philosopher and novelist, believed that individuals have the power to shape the world around them through their thoughts, actions, and beliefs. One of her most famous quotes, "The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it," encapsulates her belief that individuals have the power to either perpetuate or combat evil through their choices and actions.

In Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, she emphasizes the importance of individualism, reason, and self-interest. She believed that individuals have the right to pursue their own happiness and that they should not sacrifice their own values for the sake of others. This emphasis on individualism is reflected in her quote about the evil of the world being made possible by the sanction individuals give it. In other words, individuals have the power to either condone or condemn evil through their actions and beliefs.

Rand believed that evil is not an inherent force in the world, but rather a result of individuals choosing to act in ways that harm others or violate their rights. By giving their sanction to evil, individuals are essentially allowing it to exist and thrive. However, Rand also believed that individuals have the power to combat evil by standing up for their own values and refusing to condone or participate in actions that harm others.