The Virtue of Selfishness: Fiftieth Anniversary Edition - Softcover

Ayn Rand

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0451163931 ISBN 13: 9780451163936

Publisher: Signet, 1964

Synopsis

A collection of essays that sets forth the moral principles of Objectivism, Ayn Rand's controversial, groundbreaking philosophy.

Since their initial publication, Rand's fictional works—Anthem, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged—have had a major impact on the intellectual scene. The underlying theme of her famous novels is her philosophy, a new morality—the ethics of rational self-interest—that offers a robust challenge to altruist-collectivist thought.

Known as Objectivism, her divisive philosophy holds human life—the life proper to a rational being—as the standard of moral values and regards altruism as incompatible with man's nature. In this series of essays, Rand asks why man needs morality in the first place, and arrives at an answer that redefines a new code of ethics based on the virtue of selfishness.

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About this title

About the Author:

Born February 2, 1905, Ayn Rand published her first novel, We the Living, in 1936. Anthem followed in 1938. It was with the publication of The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957) that she achieved her spectacular success. Rand’s unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience. The fundamentals of her philosophy are put forth in three nonfiction books, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, The Virtues of Selfishness, and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. They are all available in Signet editions, as is the magnificent statement of her artistic credo, The Romantic Manifesto.

From AudioFile:

This collection of essays on objectivism sets down Ayn Rand's views on individual rights and challenges listeners on all sides of the political fence to consider their views. Although published in 1961 and aimed at the Cold War world, the essays hold up well and often seem related to today's issues and headlines. Most of Rand's barbs are aimed at liberals, but conservatives also draw fire for faltering in defense of liberties and the Constitution. C.M. Herbert reads with a passion and confidence that seems to personify Rand. One especially well-read passage depicts a hypothetical conversation in which she defends her views to a critic. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Signet
• Publication date: 1964
• ISBN 10: 0451163931
• ISBN 13: 9780451163936
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 173