The
vVrtue of Selfishness is a book of ethics written by Ayn Rand. She is the
creator of a philosophical system called "Objectivism" that supports
rational and ethical egoism, and rejects altruism. I will try to relate her
concepts to the humanitarian world.
For
Rand, “ethics is a code of values that guide man’s choices and action”,
that is important because “nature does not provide man with an automatic
form of survival”, therefore man must support his life on his own.
Understanding
ethics sets the foundation for understanding why selfishness, the concern with
one’s own interests, is virtuous and an objective necessity. Altruism is to
value others above one's own self, which means to sacrifice oneself to others
and is ultimately a form of slavery.
Ayn
Rand is for rational egoism therefore she does not place a judgment on what we
value, thus why I can relate this philosophy to humanitarian activities.
If we are helping someone it should be a trade where we are gaining
something; for instance, satisfaction. The aid should not be a duty but a
selfish choice. I think people that do not adopt this ethics in the
humanitarian world are exposing themselves to mental fragilities and
psychological difficulties in the face of the harsh reality of existence.
I
urge everyone, especially those who do not agree with the selfish concept, to
read this book and discover the ideas in greater depth. I don’t think that
humanitarian motivation can be reduced to the binary thinking of selfishness
versus altruism. I think that unconsciousness and emotions can play a significant
role. For instance the desire to help can be the desire for dominance and for power
seeking.
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