1964, nonfiction
The Virtue of Selfishness
Rand's case for an ethics of rational self-interest, including "The Objectivist Ethics", "Man's Rights" and "The Nature of Government". The deliberately provocative title is explained in the introduction.
Essays by Rand with several by Nathaniel Branden, opening with "The Objectivist Ethics".
Number 5 in our suggested reading order: The plainest statement of her ethics, in essays.
Ideas it carries
- Objectivism
Rand's name for her philosophy as a whole.
- Rational self-interest
Each person's own life is their highest value, pursued by reason and without sacrificing others.
- The trader principle
Dealing with others by voluntary exchange of value for value.
- Productiveness
Creating the values one's life requires; one of the virtues in Rand's ethics.
- Individual rights
Moral principles that define and protect a person's freedom of action in society.
- Non-initiation of force
No one may start the use of physical force against others.