Ayn Rand - The Virtue of Selfishness

About this Episode

Ayn Rand developed a foundation for morality called Objectivism. Objectivist ethics holds that the standard by which one judges good or evil is one's own life - or that which is required to survive. Whatever is proper to ensure survival is good, while whatever opposes or destroys life is evil. Objectivism carries heavy implications for politics and government. Society should elevate rationality, productivity, independence, and freedom that facilitate survival. It should discount parasites, moochers, looters, and brutes that act as a drag on society and individual flourishing. Rand has no patience for government programs geared to the needs of the latter group.