Well here I am again, and the anonymous commenter has accurately explained Rand's thinking on selfishness. My thinking is my own, and though I was greatly influenced by Rand, I do not agree with her entirely on much. I am simply glad to know that someone out there had the guts to challenge the PC version of what is "right" and who "we" are.
"Ought" and "should" are the same. My red flag flies up because I need to know WHO says I "should" do whatever, and WHO or what cause I will benefit or harm by doing what I "should". In the end I find myself quite the cynic and perhaps nearly as amoral as Rand. I do not believe that we "should" be altruistic. I'm not sure we are truly capable of it. I think it is in our most fundamental human nature to act in our own best interests, even when we disguise it from ourselves. The Gandhis of the world are serving others because it is in their best interest to have equal "rights" for all, or peace on earth, or some other aim that is self serving as well as other serving.
As for the morality of acting in a kind manner to benefit onesself instead of others, I don't understand on what basis you say that is it not moral. According to whom and for whom? And what does kindness have to do with it? What if I act with malevolence to benefit someone else?
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-04-09 03:40 am (UTC)"Ought" and "should" are the same. My red flag flies up because I need to know WHO says I "should" do whatever, and WHO or what cause I will benefit or harm by doing what I "should". In the end I find myself quite the cynic and perhaps nearly as amoral as Rand. I do not believe that we "should" be altruistic. I'm not sure we are truly capable of it. I think it is in our most fundamental human nature to act in our own best interests, even when we disguise it from ourselves. The Gandhis of the world are serving others because it is in their best interest to have equal "rights" for all, or peace on earth, or some other aim that is self serving as well as other serving.
As for the morality of acting in a kind manner to benefit onesself instead of others, I don't understand on what basis you say that is it not moral. According to whom and for whom? And what does kindness have to do with it? What if I act with malevolence to benefit someone else?
I get confused.