Is Ayn Rand's philosophy inherently selfish?
The concept of 'selfishness' is often misunderstood, twisted by altruist morality into a synonym for greed or exploitation. Rational self-interest, as I define it, is the opposite of this. It is the pursuit of one's own life and well-being through productive achievement and respect for the rights of others. It is not about taking from others, but about creating value and living by one's own productive effort. True morality lies in valuing one's own life above all else.