Meaning: This quote by Ayn Rand encapsulates the concept of willful ignorance and the difficulty of acknowledging truths that are inconvenient or uncomfortable. Ayn Rand was a Russian-American writer and philosopher known for her advocacy of individualism and capitalism, and her works often explored the theme of personal responsibility and the pursuit of one's own self-interest. In this quote, she highlights the challenge of confronting realities that are plainly apparent but have been collectively ignored or dismissed by society.

The notion of "the glaringly evident which everybody had decided not to see" can be understood in various contexts, from personal relationships to societal issues. On an individual level, it speaks to the human tendency to overlook or deny uncomfortable truths in order to maintain a sense of comfort or security. People often choose to ignore glaringly evident issues in their lives, whether it's an unhealthy relationship, a destructive habit, or a personal failing. This quote challenges individuals to confront these realities and acknowledge the truths that they have been consciously avoiding.

Moreover, the quote also resonates on a societal level, particularly in the context of social and political issues. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where societies collectively turned a blind eye to injustices, inequalities, or systemic problems. This could be due to fear, complacency, or the perpetuation of entrenched power structures. Ayn Rand's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency to ignore inconvenient truths and the importance of confronting them for meaningful change to occur.

The phrase "which everybody had decided not to see" suggests a form of collective denial or avoidance. It implies that the truth is not only overlooked by individuals but is also disregarded by the broader consensus. This phenomenon can be observed in various historical and contemporary contexts, such as the denial of climate change, the perpetuation of systemic racism, or the reluctance to address economic inequalities. In these cases, the "glaringly evident" truths are often sidelined or downplayed, leading to prolonged social and environmental harm.

Ayn Rand's perspective on the difficulty of explaining the obvious resonates with the challenges of advocating for change in the face of entrenched beliefs and power structures. It underscores the importance of courage and conviction in speaking out against prevailing narratives and challenging the status quo. The quote also serves as a call to action, urging individuals to question prevailing assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths, both in their personal lives and in the broader context of society.

In conclusion, Ayn Rand's quote captures the inherent difficulty of acknowledging truths that have been willfully ignored or dismissed. It prompts reflection on the individual and collective tendencies to overlook glaringly evident realities and the importance of confronting them for personal and societal growth. By highlighting the challenges of explaining the obvious, the quote encourages a critical examination of entrenched beliefs and the courage to speak out against prevailing narratives. Ultimately, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths for the betterment of oneself and society as a whole.