Description
“The Virtue of Selfishness” is a collection of essays by Ayn Rand, a Russian-American philosopher and novelist, known for her philosophy of Objectivism. The book was originally published in 1964 and presents Rand’s moral and ethical views.
In this collection, Ayn Rand argues in favor of rational self-interest and individualism. She contends that self-interest is a virtue and the foundation of a just society. She criticizes altruism and self-sacrifice as moral ideals and advocates for the pursuit of one’s own happiness and well-being as the highest moral purpose. She believes that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals, and the government should protect their rights to life, liberty, and property.
The essays in the book cover various aspects of Rand’s philosophy, including ethics, politics, and economics. Some of the key essays in “The Virtue of Selfishness” include “The Objectivist Ethics,” “The Ethics of Emergencies,” and “Man’s Rights.” These essays expound upon Rand’s beliefs in rational egoism, individual rights, and laissez-faire capitalism.
Ayn Rand’s philosophy, as presented in this book and elsewhere, has been both influential and controversial. While some people find her ideas on individualism and rational self-interest to be compelling, others criticize her for what they see as a lack of empathy and a disregard for the importance of altruism and collective well-being. “The Virtue of Selfishness” is an important work for anyone interested in Ayn Rand’s philosophy or the broader discussion of ethics and individualism.
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