Capitalism Unbound by Bernstein Andrew;

Author:Bernstein, Andrew;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UPA
Published: 2010-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

The Virtue of Selfishness

Selfishness, according to conventional wisdom, is synonymous with using, abusing, and misusing innocent others in order to satisfy one’s own goals or desires. The dictionary defines “selfish” as: “being concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.”

Note that the commonly held view construes a man’s self-interest as either holding no regard for others—at best—or in abusing and victimizing them—at worst. This, as every other point of the conventional moral understanding, must be challenged.

Mere minutes of careful thought are sufficient to refute such a belief. For example, it is very much to an individual’s long-term, rational self-interest to have close friends, an intimate romantic relationship, amicable, respectful dealings with neighbors, acquaintances, and colleagues, because these bring into his life affection, closeness, camaraderie, love, and serenity of spirit—priceless possessions for a human being. Is a man’s life and level of happiness more fulfilled—or less—because of such intimacy? The overwhelming preponderance of human beings understandably answer: more so.

A further question can be raised: are such positive, happiness-generating relationships advanced by honesty or by dishonesty—by morally upright dealings or by immoral conniving—by respecting the rights of other men or by flouting them? Clearly, by honest, respectful dealings with others.

If a man lies, cheats, and/or steals, he risks apprehension—and fills his life with chronic trepidation regarding the outcome of such vile activity. He makes of mankind’s noblest members—those scrupulously honest—his enemies; and of their most life-supporting characteristic—discerning intelligence—his gravest threat. But if, on the other hand, he works hard, honestly, and to optimal capacity, he earns more than a cheater could ever duplicitously gain, fills his inner life with pride and tranquility, and attracts, as by gravitational tug, persons who venerate a man’s supremely priceless possession: strength of character.

Further, when unfailingly respectful toward others, a man stands on un-shakeable moral foundations in expecting an identical respect from them. By contrast, if he callously exploits them, upon what moral principle will he stand in demanding justice toward himself?

Such points are readily explainable to elementary school children—how then, do moralists so often miss them? Why does the conventional code blandly, as if upholding an inarguably exact moral axiom, support the pre-posterous notion that true selfishness—happiness-invoking, genuinely selfish behavior—entails the victimization of others?

This is a profoundly important question—and its answer penetrates to the core of moral philosophy. A first part of an answer is to explain what an authentic egoism or selfishness properly entails—what it is and what, in action, it looks like.

In the author’s judgment, Ayn Rand has revolutionized mankind’s understanding of moral philosophy and is so far ahead of her time that only today, 53 years after the publication of her magnum opus, Atlas Shrugged, are professional philosophers finally beginning to seriously study her theories.

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