[CottonBall]

Another parallel: that stupid Ashton Kuchner "I pledge" video. Those people are living a much more extravagant, selfish life than I am, yet deem it necessary to preach to me on how to live a good life in service of "the greater good".
I really think all of these people who are truly greedy (Al Gore making money on his crusade) have to convince themselves that they are working for good.
It isn't just self-delusion, it is rationalization.

When I think of those that have really lived simple lives - like Thoreau - they never have told others that they have to do the same. Or put them down because they didn't. Those that truly lead by example don't just mouth the rhetoric - they live it and let others chose without pressure or guilt.

[Lou L]

Another parallel: that stupid Ashton Kuchner "I pledge" video. Those people are living a much more extravagant, selfish life than I am, yet deem it necessary to preach to me on how to live a good life in service of "the greater good".

I don't recall if Rand shows it yet in the book, but she will peel back the "back room deals," that seeming force people like Kutcher into making such pronouncements. It's all about "getting the goods on someone," and when you do, you can get them to make "public service announcements," with the emphasis on the public good. It's how the game is played, and Hollywood isn't immune. In today's celebrity culture, they're more important than the business leaders, so they're the ones spouting the propaganda.

[higgmeister]

...that stupid Ashton Kuchner "I pledge" video

Please explain what this video is and where did you see it?