tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3708511122010407846.post3651901790505871044..comments2023-09-21T10:39:50.097-04:00Comments on Awake to the World: A Blog for Mercer Philosophers: Ayn Rand's Defense of Ethical Egoism Charlie Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06039624840683503185noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3708511122010407846.post-88149941433441830202020-11-16T11:58:43.224-05:002020-11-16T11:58:43.224-05:00I think this comment thread is showing a clear mis...I think this comment thread is showing a clear misunderstanding of what Ayn Rand advocated for. She believed that helping others was part of selfishness. To use the above example, a mother would indeed feed her child because she selfishly cares about her child. In Ayn Rand's view, we should only help those we care for and not those we are indifferent to or dislike.<br /><br />A better example would be whether a mother should avoid feeding her children to take care of a starving murderer. The murderer has a greater need for the food in the moment but the mother cares more for her children. This is what Rand meant by selfishness. In these moments we should act selfishly and make the decision based on our own values and not feel the need to help the killer out of a general devotion to selflessness. Marcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16914478404184345674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3708511122010407846.post-47165347482169252272017-02-26T15:02:10.701-05:002017-02-26T15:02:10.701-05:00I would like to note, that this was extremely help...I would like to note, that this was extremely helpful in allowing me to understand this reading that I was assigned for a presentation for school. So thank you!!!Hannah Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11846447810288708425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3708511122010407846.post-50877280200759205922016-04-11T18:49:17.288-04:002016-04-11T18:49:17.288-04:00If everyone put their 'needs' first , it w...If everyone put their 'needs' first , it will be a much more terrible world. @ Ashley, you have just stated an instance. If people need money, should they go stealing from other people?? Or because a mother is tired ,she shouldn't feed her child? I agree with Thrice, there should be a balance. sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10056187035008137864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3708511122010407846.post-46605722720645940702013-02-13T01:03:56.255-05:002013-02-13T01:03:56.255-05:00I'm going to play devil's advocate here an...I'm going to play devil's advocate here and side with Rand for this comment. So what if every person actually put their "needs" first? If a person actually made sure that their needs were met first, wouldn't they in turn be a better person, and better able to help other individuals? I don't believe that Rand is against helping someone. I don't believe that she is talking about wants. I'm taking her words at face value, and evaluating the term "need." If we look at a mother and the maternal instinct or association that follows, it is quite common to always put the "needs" of her children or family ahead of her own. Now, let's think about the possible consequences. Because this mother has been neglecting herself, he health has deteriorated. She is unable to work as often. She is unable to adequately care for her family and children. Situations as such are what I believe Rand was possibly referring to. How can a person begin to help another when they cannot help themselves? Also, if you are not ensuring that your needs are fulfilled, who will? Certainly not the sickly mother who has for your entire life only addressed your needs. Also, I think Rand is implying a sense of responsibility that must be instilled and understood by all individuals.<br />While I do agree that we as human beings have advanced because of collective effort, just imagine the possibilities if every individual addressed their needs first in the way that I have presented a "need." I honestly believe that it could potentially be a better world.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04626351782993728984noreply@blogger.com