The Virtue of Selfishness: A New Concept of Egoism

Ayn Rand's ethical theory of Objectivism is among the most important influences on 20th and 21st century thought. Her 1200-page novel Atlas Shrugged explains it all, but a more concise explanation is offered in this slim collection of essays. In it she offers a rational, ethical defense of capitalism and individualism, and explains why communism, socialism, and all other forms of altruistic or collectivist governments are immoral and unethical.

• The Objectivist Ethics, by Ayn Rand (1961)
• Mental Health versus Mysticism and Self-Sacrifice, by Nathaniel Branden (1963)
• The Ethics of Emergencies, by Ayn Rand (1963)
• The "Conflicts" of Men's Interests, by Ayn Rand (1962)
• Isn't Everyone Selfish?, by Nathaniel Branden (1962)
• The Psychology of Pleasure, by Nathaniel Branden (1964)
• Doesn't Life Require Compromise?, by Ayn Rand (1962)
• How Does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?, by Ayn Rand (1962)
• The Cult of Moral Grayness, by Ayn Rand (1964)
• Collectivized Ethics, by Ayn Rand (1963)
• The Monument Builders, by Ayn Rand (1962)
• Man's Rights, by Ayn Rand (1963)
• Collectivized "Rights", by Ayn Rand (1963)
• The Nature of Government, by Ayn Rand (1963)
• Government Financing in a Free Society, by Ayn Rand (1964)
• The Divine Right of Stagnation, by Nathaniel Branden (1963)
• Racism, by Ayn Rand (1963)
• Counterfeit Individualism, by Nathaniel Branden (1962)
• The Argument from Intimidation, by Ayn Rand (1964)