The provocative title of Ayn Rand’s The Virtue of Selfishness introduces an equally provocative thesis about ethics. Traditional ethics is definitely dubious of self-interest, praising works that are selfless in intent and calling serves that are motivated by self-interest amoral or immoral. Ayn Rand’s watch is exactly the opposite.

This collection of nineteen essays is an efficient summary of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, which keeps the value of the individual in addition to that of the state or any other collective. The thread running right through every one of the essays can be Rand’s definition of selfishness as “rational self-interest,” with the idea that one has the proper to make sure one’s personal survival, to go after happiness, and to personal the fruits of one’s labor without having to sacrifice any of these to others against one’s will.