The Virtue of Selfishness

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: C. M. Hernert

Ayn Rand here sets forth the moral principles of Objectivism, the philosophy that holds human life - the life proper to a rational being - as the standard of moral values and regards altruism as incompatible with human nature, with the creative requirement of survival, and with a free society.

Ms. Rand's unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience. The fundamentals of her philosophy are set forth in this insightful piece of nonfiction.

©1961 Ayn Rand; 1961 by the Objectivist Newsletter Incorporated (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Give Objectivism a Chance!

The Virtue of Selfishness is a collection of essays that Ayn Rand and Nathaniel Branden wrote as part of The Objectivist Newsletter in the 1960s. To this day, it boggles my mind that the Objectivist philosophy hasn't swept the nation--even the world. It seems to align with what so many people seem to want most in life: the pursuit of happiness, productive achievement, and reason. In my opinion, these are the tenants on which I base my own personal philosophy. As such, this book resonated strongly with me. To begin, I was instantly drawn to the title. How could selfishness be virtuous? In current society, selfishness is looked down upon. What makes this book so interesting is that Rand defines selfishness is a much more simplistic manner by stating that selfishness is nothing more than a concern for one's own interests. This is her new concept of egoism. Several of the essays expand upon this concept. These essays lead to further essays regarding the destructive nature of altruism and collectivism.

It is during these subsequent essays that I am struck by the reason the Objectivist philosophy has not swept the world. We are taught from a very young age that we need to care for others around us without expecting anything in return. Sharing is more important than selfishness. Meeting the needs of the collective are far, far more important than meeting the needs of the individual. This being Rand's book, all of these arguments (which seem to have their own validity) are completely invalidated. It would seem that there are too many people who want to pursue happiness, yet they do not want to be productive achievers or rely on logical reasoning.

If everyone would pursue their own personal happiness through productive achievement and reason, it seems reasonable that everyone would attain it. Wouldn't you agree? Read this book and tell me what you think.

Ayn Rand is awesome

If you are pro socialism after reading this book, then you have no right to call yourself a rational human being.

A "Must" read for any budding capitalist!!!

Where does The Virtue of Selfishness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I first read "The Virtue of Selfishness" way back in the 1960,s or maybe the 70"s. does not matter, listening to it now as I walk alone in the darkness each morning brings the truth back to me clearly. It is Number one on my list of great books I have listened to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is not a book with characters. It is about personal growth and being a "REAL" capitalist or as some liberal might put it dirty MONEY. Money is never dirty the people are dirty.

Did C.M. Hernert do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

There were no characters, however she is a great narrator.

If you could give The Virtue of Selfishness a new subtitle, what would it be?

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Any additional comments?

It should be on every teachers required reading list from 6th grade to a Ph.D.

One of Our Greaest Philosophers

Ayn Rand is one of our greatest philosophers. Her book The Virtue of Selfishness is the best book I have ever listened to. Her doctrine of Objectivity is pure and allows us to be our best selves.

Leon W.

Eye Opening

This book has great life long lasting principles. these principles have held up over the passing of time since the book was originally written.