Chapters Bookshelf

Egoism Empire

Ayn Rand

You look in the direction Smith points and see a statuesque woman with a commanding presence sitting in the director chair embroidered “Ayn Rand.” “Nyet!” the woman screams. “Give me more passion.” Turning to you, she moans, “The world lacks passion and individuality. I’m afraid that we could revert to the Soviet communism I so despise. But I am doing my best to promulgate my theories of ethical egoism so that the world can see the truth. My last production, which really showcased my theories, was the trilogy Atlas Shrugged. The first episode came out in 2011, the second in 2012, and the next is coming in 2014.”

“Right!” you reply. “I didn’t see them at the theater at the shopping mall, but I saw that the independent theaters were showing them.”

“Yeah, the movies flopped – not too successful from a capitalist perspective,” Adam Smith whispers.

Overhearing this, Ayn Rand is enraged. “I adore the capitalistic system. The problem is that the masses simply can’t appreciate pure talent and unabashed creativity.” Smith slinks away while Rand continues. “This movie is about a true hero who understands that egoistic behavior is a righteous path and who stands above the muddle-headed masses who praise altruism. Our modern cowboy uses his wits, his talents, and his ingenuity to forge his own life and fortune in a world that tries to make him conform. He is a survivor and he will prevail!” she exclaims.

“That sounds like the basis for an epic movie. Who is the antagonist in the film?” you ask.

“The hero must fight against the collective or the masses who place their trust in feelings, faith, or religious dogma. Evil is that which harms or destroys human life. Our hero will use his rational mind and his creativity to rise above the masses who want to destroy the individual. The hero will grow in knowledge and overcome all obstacles,” Rand cries out pumping her fist in the air.

Clearly caught up in the excitement of the moment, you are eager to hear more about this cowboy’s fight for survival and moral greatness.

Rand continues, “That which is morally good objectively promotes human life. I have named my theory ‘Objectivism’ because the good is based on objective fact rather than the whims of the masses or the will of some type of God. The reasoning mind is our means for prosperity and the ‘good’ is to be rational and pursue one’s own values and happiness. A proper society upholds and protects individual rights and provides the freedom for each individual to achieve his/her goals and follow his/her self-interest.”

Just then the heroic cowboy struts on stage and begins a stirring monologue. “I will not compromise! I will advance my own life through thinking and honest work on the range. Human flourishing comes from achievement rather than sacrificing to others. You brainwashed ranch hands are deluded by your thoughts of altruism. Self-sacrifice is immoral because it forces individuals to deny their own values, their own integrity, and their own goals. We can still work together on the ranch because partnership and reciprocity can benefit each of us. If goodwill and kindness happens to benefit others as well as yourself, that is fine as long as the individual does not sacrifice the self. Let us go forth and create. Let build a new world…” As the cowboy continues to shout to the rooftops, you realize that time is slipping away and you need to break away to continue your own quest. Bolstered with self-confidence from the cowboy’s speech, you are ready to use your wits to excel on the quiz.