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About this quote

What does it mean?
Branden suggests that if following principles leads to self-destruction, the premises behind those principles are likely flawed.
In plain terms
If your rules tell you to hurt yourself, check if the rules are wrong.
What can you take from it?
Use self-preservation as a test for your beliefs.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • moral dilemmas

Putting it to work

  • audit personal values
  • test belief systems

Questions to consider

  • When is a principle wrong?
  • Do principles save or destroy?

Another view

Sometimes principles require sacrifice that feels like suicide but isn't.

More from Nathaniel Branden

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