If that's his thing, whatever. My goal is to live for others, following the examples of Christ, of St. Francis, of St. Maximilian Kolbe, of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Some days I don't do very well at laying down my life or taking up my cross, but that's the goal.
If the economic solid waste impacts the sociological rotating blades, I have no intention of "going Galt." I will "go St. Francis," and give everything away, first.
“My goal is to live for others”
Then why don’t you vote for President Obama?
bingo.
Rand was very prophetic despite her atheism.
She absolutely nails faulty socialist un-logic to the wall.
But objectivism as a personal philosophy in approaching life?
Completely incompatible with the christian message.
Notice the childlessness of Dagney.
And how Dagney manages to have rip-roarin’ rolls in the hay without the nasty consequence of pregnancy.
It is very easy in fictionland to live for oneself and no one else when the laws of nature need not apply.
I hope I can at least be "on your team." "St. Tax-Chick of the Complete Horde, and *Companions*, Flamboyant and Martyrs."
It has come back to bite them in the butt because now the government is telling the churches what they can and can't do.
To live for others can mean many different things. Did you read AS? Do you want to live your life to please them? to get their approval? What if their desires are enslavement? Slaves live for others - others enjoyment and profit. To be a Christian is to live for Christ, not for approval of the world.
The problem in the U.S. isn't the truly needy. If we all helped the truly needy, the needy would want for nothing.
The problem is the wanting segment of our society. Jesus himself simply looked at the wanting blind man - who was faking his blindness to get free handouts rather than work - because there was no reason to help him when he could very easily help himself.
I doubt anyone has a problem with those in need. I have a big problem helping those who are simply in want. That's where I draw the line on "charity."
I'll bet at least 75% of those on social programs today are able bodied, and have no legitimate excuse not to work. They're just too lazy, and we tax payers are being used as political slaves to guarantee them everything they want in exchange for their vote.
Do you really think Christ would approve of this ?? No, he wouldn't, and didn't. He taught people to live without Cesar. He taught people to survive on their own. When they survive on their own, and everyone who can work does (If you don't work you don't eat), there's no problem with sharing the fruits of everyones labor (and it's volentary).
As a member in good standing of the “others,” may I ask to be included in your will?