Rational selfishness

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Rational selfishness, a term generally related to Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, means to seek to make yourself happy before others. Critics argue that rational selfishness permits harming others. However, Ayn Rand adds the proviso that you mustn't use force to impose your will on others. All in all, the rational selfishness can be viewed upon as the way of living your life in such a manner that your own happiness and hunt for various benefits in life can co-exist with the same will of others. This is, in essence, the basic rule of capitalism, of which Ayn Rand was an advocate.

Further, Ayn Rand discusses rational self-interest in which your happiness, in limited circumstances, can be enhanced by helping others; a related term is enlightened self-interest. Critics then argue that the boundaries of rational self-interest are fuzzy and that much misery can be neglected. Rand counters that various ideologies coerce individuals into self-sacrifice. Rand makes a point to argue against altruism, and what she views as martyrdom.

See also

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