Man Qua Man

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Understanding the Standard: Man’s Life as the Moral Ideal

« Man’s life as the standard of morality » is the core ethical principle of Objectivism. But what does it truly mean to live as man qua man?

This expression, rooted in Aristotelian logic and clarified by Ayn Rand, refers to living in full accordance with human nature — as a rational, purposeful, independent being.

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Reason as the Tool of Survival

Man is neither driven by instinct nor sustained by automatic action. His fundamental tool of survival is reason.

To live qua man is to choose to think, to perceive reality, and to form principles guiding action.

It is a rejection of blind obedience, emotionalism, and second-handedness.

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Virtue and Self-Made Soul

To live qua man means more than surviving — it means flourishing through moral virtue.

The virtues of Objectivism (rationality, independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness, and pride) are not duties but practical tools to live successfully as a human being.

This is how you build a self-made soul.

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Individualism and Moral Purpose

Living as man qua man means recognizing that your life is your highest moral purpose.

You are not a means to the ends of others — nor are they to yours.

This moral vision upholds the sovereignty of the individual, grounded in reason and responsibility.

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Want to go deeper?

Ayn Rand wrote:

“Man has to be man—by choice; he has to hold his life as a value—by choice; he has to learn to sustain it—by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues—by choice.” — Atlas Shrugged

Ready to explore the foundations of Objectivism? 👉Click here to dive in.