Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics Quotes

“Ethical egoism is the thesis that a person should act to promote his own interest. More precisely, it is the view that each person’s primary moral obligation is to achieve his own well-being and he should not sacrifice his well-being for the well-being of others.”
― Tara Smith, Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist

“Rand’s egoism is distinctive insofar as she contends that a determination of the proper way to lead our lives must begin with an analysis of the concept of value.”
― Tara Smith, Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist

“Contrary to the prevalent image of the egoist as oblivious to all standards and moved entirely by what he wants, when he wants it, Rand sees such an erratic, emotion-driven course as a sure way to sabotage one’s well-being. Serving one’s interest requires action guided by the recognition of certain constant, fundamental facts. These facts are the basis of moral principles.”
― Tara Smith, Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist

“The basis for regarding certain ends as objectively valuable to an organism, as the kinds of things that it should seek, Rand reasons, rests in the struggle for life.”
― Tara Smith, Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist