> I see now why the world and this country is in trouble and the government keeps growing. If on a conservative forum people can’t see the difference between individualism(capitalism) and collectivism(socialism)
Speaking personally, I think people are upset with you because you chose this particular thread to air your particularly self-focused viewpoints, in the face of what is unquestionably a selfless and brave act by a British Royal Marine Commando.
> then the world is doomed and it’s not people like me who are dooming it.
On the contrary: people like you are a huge part of the problem.
> What does Ayn Rand mean when she describes selfishness as a virtue?
Ayn Rand or Jesus Christ — which to pick? Ah, choices, choices, choices...
> Ayn Rand rejects altruism, the view that self-sacrifice is the moral ideal. She argues that the ultimate moral value, for each human individual, is his or her own well-being. Since selfishness (as she understands it) is serious, rational, principled concern with one’s own well-being, it turns out to be a prerequisite for the attainment of the ultimate moral value. For this reason, Rand believes that selfishness is a virtue
She would get along well with Satan then.
> In the introduction to her collection of essays on ethical philosophy, The Virtue of Selfishness (VOS), Rand writes that the “exact meaning” of selfishness is “concern with one’s own interests” (VOS, vii). In that work, Rand argues that a virtue is an action by which one secures and protects one’s rational values—ultimately, one’s life and happiness. Since a concern with one’s own interests is a character trait that, when translated into action, enables one to achieve and guard one’s own well-being, it follows that selfishness is a virtue. One must manifest a serious concern for one’s own interests if one is to lead a healthy, purposeful, fulfilling life.
I would not like to live in a world populated by such selfish people as these. Luckily for you, there are unselfish people who will fight and die for your right to be selfish. I guess that makes them less virtuous than your fine self — a failing that they probably don’t mind having at all.
I don't know if I'd call it lucky for Democrat_media. If it were just the two of you and I was the only one able to supply help, I'll give you one guess as to which one I'd pick.