The Virtue of Selfishness
Start ListeningDownload
Try free on iPhoneScan to start in 5 seconds
Categories:
If You're Curious About These Questions...
You should listen to this audiobook
- Why might choosing to save the life of a loved one over ten strangers be considered not just a selfish act, but the most morally sound decision you can make?
- How does a purely capitalist 'society of traders' naturally enforce moral behavior without relying on forced self-sacrifice?
- Why does the author argue that guaranteeing modern societal benefits, like free healthcare or guaranteed jobs, actually destroys our fundamental human freedoms?
Listen to The Virtue of Selfishness — Free Audiobook
Loading player...
Key Takeaways from The Virtue of Selfishness
- Morality is not a subjective preference, but an objective framework based on the fundamental biological choice between life and death.
- True morality requires rational selfishness, meaning every individual is an end in themselves and has no inherent obligation to sacrifice their happiness for others.
- Helping others is only moral when it aligns with your own rational self-interest, whereas sacrificing a greater personal value for a lesser one is fundamentally immoral.
- Pure, unregulated capitalism is the only socio-economic system that fully respects human rights and rational self-interest through voluntary trade.
- The sole legitimate function of a government is to protect basic individual rights, because enforcing entitlements like guaranteed healthcare inherently violates the fundamental rights of other citizens.
The Virtue of Selfishness — Full Chapter Overview
- 1Recommendation
- 2Morality can be judged in objective terms.
- 3Selfishness is a virtue – provided it remains rational.
- 4Assist others only when you have self-interested reasons to do it.
- 5A capitalist system honors self-interest and inherent rights.
- 6Government’s role must be confined to protecting our rights.
- 7Independent thinkers must expect and withstand intellectual bullying.
The Virtue of Selfishness Summary & Overview
The Virtue of Selfishness (1964) is an argument in favor of self-interest and capitalist economics. At the time of its publication, it was a bold and original assertion of a new moral creed. This daring work is sure to challenge many deeply held ideals.
Who Should Listen to The Virtue of Selfishness?
- Contrarians fond of audacious moral arguments
- Entrepreneurs in favor of free enterprise
- Political enthusiasts interested in challenging their convictions
Books Similar to The Virtue of Selfishness
Readers who enjoyed this also liked these titles.
