The Virtue of Selfishness

Unabridged (Audiobook)

Written by:

Ayn Rand, Nathaniel Branden

Narrator:

C.M. Hebert

Length:

6 hours 16 minutes

Summary:

The provocative title of Ayn Rand's The Virtue of Selfishness introduces an equally provocative thesis about ethics. Traditional ethics has always been suspicious of self-interest, praising acts that are selfless in intent and calling amoral or immoral acts that are motivated by self interest. Ayn Rand's view is exactly the opposite.

This collection of nineteen essays is an effective summary of Ayn Rand's philosophy, which holds the value of the individual over and above that of the state or any other "collective." The thread running through all of the essays is Rand's definition of selfishness as 'rational self-interest,' with the idea that one has the right to assure one's own survival, to pursue happiness, and to own the fruits of one's labor without having to sacrifice any of these to others against one's will.

Ratings:

Book (15)

Narration

Publisher:

Blackstone Audiobooks

Date:

March 2009

Genres:

Literature > Essays and Anthologies
Philosophy
Literature

Customer Reviews
Customers Also Liked

Bob Sage

Ayn Rand writes a mean novel. Atlas Shrugged and the Fountainhead are inspirational. But this compedium of essays is a bust. The philosophy behind the novel is barren and embarrassingly self-serving. Objectivism is better with the skin on.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Andrew McIntyre

I disagree with Ayn Rand on many points, but this book is outstanding as long as you know what you are getting into. Whatever the title might suggest, it is not a volume on self help or positive thinking. It is a work of Philosophy. At the same time, it is not so technical as to require a great deal of specialized knowledge. It requires attention and intellectual discipline, although the talent of the reader helps to keep one focused. If you want to understand the Objectivist Ethics of Ayn Rand in brief, this is the book for you.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Autumn

I didn't like this book. When I added it to my shelf I did not realize it would be a book on ethics and morals from a hippy standpoint. It has nothing to do with selfishness per se. It talks about morals in general and does it in a very scientific way. It will surely put anyone to sleep after only a few minutes.