Video: In Defense of Selfishness: Why the Code of Self-Sacrifice Is Unjust and Destructive

When you hear the word selfishness, what comes to mind? Typically, selfishness is associated with amoral, predatory behavior. It’s a word used to describe people like Bernard Madoff or Attila the Hun. On the other hand, selflessness is generally celebrated and aligned with friendship and love. In this talk, Peter Schwartz challenges these misconceptions.

by Peter Schwartz | Jul 20, 2015 | Philosophy

by Peter Schwartz | Jul 20, 2015 | Philosophy

When you hear the word selfishness, what comes to mind? Typically, selfishness is associated with amoral, predatory behavior. It’s a word used to describe people like Bernard Madoff or Attila the Hun. On the other hand, selflessness is generally celebrated and aligned with friendship and love. In this talk, Peter Schwartz challenges these misconceptions.

Learn more about the book In Defense of Selfishness: Why the Code of Self-Sacrifice Is Unjust and Destructive.

Peter Schwartz is author of "In Defense of Selfishness: Why The Code of Self-Sacrifice Is Unjust and Destructive" which seeks to answer the fascinating and controversial question "What if the central idea we’re all taught about morality is wrong?"

Visit his website at www.peterschwartz.com.

The views represent those of the author and not necessarily those of Capitalism Magazine.

RELATED ARTICLES

For the New Individualist: A Message of Hope, Love and Selfishness

For the New Individualist: A Message of Hope, Love and Selfishness

In her pamphlet, Textbook of Americanism, Ayn Rand wrote that “[a]n individualist is a man who says: “I will not run anyone’s life—nor let anyone run mine. I will not rule nor be ruled. I will not be a master nor a slave. I will not sacrifice myself to anyone—…

This Valentine’s Day Celebrate The True Meaning of Love

This Valentine’s Day Celebrate The True Meaning of Love

Love is far too precious to be offered indiscriminately. It is above all in the area of love that egalitarianism ought to be repudiated. Love represents an exalted exchange–a spiritual exchange–between two people, for the purpose of mutual benefit.