I have been long wanting to share this. It is one of my favourite lines and very few come close to this one. I cannot tell you enough of how uplifting this makes me feel every single time I read it. Sometimes, I feel like I am probably being too ambitious and that I need to pace myself and prioritize (I rot at it by the way). Oft, this is what tells me that I am not seeking too much. I am alive and that’s why I am thinking and dreaming.
The lines by Ayn Rand from Atlas Shrugged (one of my top favourite books) go like this:
Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it’s yours. But to win it requires total dedication and a total break with the world of your past, with the doctrine that man is a sacrificial animal who exists for the pleasure of others. Fight for the value of your person. Fight for the virtue of your pride. Fight for the essence, which is man, for his sovereign rational mind. Fight with the radiant certainty and the absolute rectitude of knowing that yours is the morality of life and yours is the battle for any achievement, any value, any grandeur, any goodness, any joy that has ever existed on this earth.
I love Ayn Rand. I can’t tell you how much ever !
Has this happened to you?
P.s. I just wish to share some lines that have influenced me in a big way, positively and not positively, alike. These posts will be super brief coz’ I wouldn’t want to steal the author’s limelight with my interpretations. Serious.
Kismitoffeebar 
Every sentence has so much to fathom ! Wow ! Thanks for sharing this toffee ! Looking forward to more 🙂 🙂
It is so true. every sentence, every word is a true inspiration. Something I like to read on monday mornings and friday evenings alike ! 🙂
Really inspiring. There are certain quotes that leave an indelible impression and I have experienced it too.
Exactly jas. exacly. Indelible is the word for it ! Am glad you found this inspiring 🙂
Very inspiring words.. Felt boosted and energized after reading those lines! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
GB, you are welcome dearie ! They are truly inspiring and make you feel happy to be alive, no?
Inspiring!!
Good one re… 🙂
I always find Vivekananda’s words practical and inspiring…
Thanks Visha 🙂 Yes, I love Swami Vivekananda’s quotes inspiring too 🙂 And I just love the tranquility that his face exudes !
Wow…..i am wordless…
i too have been drawing courage from the line “Tough times don’t last, tough people do”, though haven’t read the book, but the line itself has help me in the courage department whenever needed 🙂
I agree Techie2mom. I love that line as well. I have tried reading that book. But I don’t enjoy such books much. I love the one liners though 🙂
I liked the first 650 pages of the Atlas Shrugged book very much. It moved fast. But the moment that John Galt came in, I started hating the book. John Galt was simply trying to influence with his all knowing theories, and was not seeking to give options to the reader.
I would rather read a point of view from a person who just presents their case and allows the reader to make intelligent decisions than from a person who preaches his/her way as the only best way to go forward.
Destination Infinity
Hmmmm. That’s a perspective , yes. I like the book more for the kind of lines that ayn rand has written at places with so much thought. I mean, some lines just spoke to me. I have not read fountain head completely. Hope to read that one. 🙂 have you ?
No. I don’t want to read any book by this author again. She seems to think that she is God. It’s just my opinion. I can accept difference of opinion but not preaching. Sorry if I appear blatant with my comments on this post.
Destination Infinity
Arey nah nah. You are just expressing your views. And these differences generate some excellent topics for discussion and conversations, right ? I have a few friends who think that she gets too preachy at instances as well. Really appreciate your honest input :))
excellent lines .. but sorry never heard of Atlas Shrugged.. GOD what world do i live in, I am sure you gonna say what a Dumbo I am 😦
Arey bikram 🙂 why dumbo and all ? Am sure you have read authors I have probably not even heard of. She is a good author. Don’t know if you will enjoy reading her. Maybe you can give her a try. She does tend to be on the lengthy side. I would recommend it just for the feel :))
Lovely lines – one of my all time favourites too!
Thanks for sharing…looking forward to more 🙂
🙂 Thanks Me 🙂 Definitely, will share more !
Lovely lines. So inspiring! Thanks for sharing them, Kismi.
I have never read Ayn Rand. 😦 Somehow, her books intimidate me. 😦
This is a great idea – to jot down lines from your favourite books. 🙂
BTW, Ruskin Bond was in Bangalore last Wednesday, and I did not know at all!! Came to know only yesterday. Had I known, I would have definitely gone and met him. 😦 Feel like kicking myself now. He was in my city, and here I was planning to go to Mussoorie to meet him!
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat? That’s so cruel. RB was there and you didn’t know 😦 I am like so shocked 😦 TGND 😦 I wish you had met him 😦
Oh Ayn Rand – maybe you can borrow one from a library and give it a try before you decide to own a copy. She is quite different as you may already know – and so far I have met two types of people – those who love her and those who hate her writing. Maybe you want to give it a try?
Thank you Kismi for sharing these beautiful, inspiring notes 🙂
Hugs dear
Hugs ME 🙂
I’m looking forward to more such lines!
This is absolutely inspiring!!
I am not a huge Ayn Rand fan and Atlas Shrugged is the only book of hers I’ve read and enjoyed! 😀
Thanks Pixie 🙂 Will definitely post more in the series 🙂
Such lovely lines! Very inspiring indeed. I am not quite a fan of Ayn Rand but I really liked this quote 🙂
Hey Scribblehappy,
A big big welcome here 🙂 So happy to see you ! 🙂 Thanks.