'The Virtue of Selfishness' (1964) by Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand’s, 'The Virtue of Selfishness', first published in 1964, is a collection of essays that lays the philosophical groundwork for her moral system, Objectivism, particularly as it applies to ethics and individual rights. Co-authored with Nathaniel Branden (who contributed several essays), the book sets out to challenge conventional moral doctrines that prioritize altruism, instead positing that rational self-interest — what she terms “selfishness” — is the foundation of a moral life.

At the heart of the book is a bold redefinition of selfishness. Rand argues that it does not mean exploiting others for personal gain, but rather, living purposefully and rationally in pursuit of one’s own values. She considers altruism — the placing of others' needs above one's own — as morally corrupting and incompatible with freedom, independence, and dignity. This view runs counter to dominant ethical traditions in both religious and secular humanist frameworks, making the book deeply provocative and polarizing.

The essays cover a broad range of topics: from the foundations of ethical egoism to the role of government in a free society, and from the psychological effects of self-sacrifice to an argument for laissez-faire capitalism as the only moral social system. Among the most significant essays are “The Objectivist Ethics,” “Man’s Rights,” and “The Nature of Government,” in which Rand articulates her belief in limited government, individual liberty, and the protection of objective rights.

Critics often fault 'The Virtue of Selfishness' for its absolutist tone and apparent lack of empathy, accusing Rand of ignoring the social and emotional dimensions of human life. Supporters, however, admire the book’s intellectual clarity, logical rigor, and moral courage in challenging deeply rooted assumptions.

In conclusion, 'The Virtue of Selfishness' is a foundational text in Ayn Rand’s philosophy and a key work in libertarian and Objectivist thought. Whether one agrees with her premises or not, the book compels readers to question inherited beliefs about morality, duty, and the self — which is, in itself, a valuable intellectual exercise.