Survival of the Unfittest? The Perils of Altruism and Collectivism

Ayn Rand discusses the lies of social progressivism and how seemingly virtuous ideals like altruism degrade society into a morass of self-imposed slavery. Rand also explains why capitalism is so important, and how America has largely given up on core principles like freedom and individual liberty to appease the communistic tendencies of intellectuals and politicians. According to Rand, the strong supporting the weak doesn't benefit the weak, but impedes everyone and leads only to a failed society.Excerpts:"Capitalism does not tell men to serve and sacrifice but to produce and profit. Capitalism does not preach passivity, humility, and resignation, but independence, self-confidence, and self-reliance. Above all, capitalism does not permit anyone to expect or demand, to give or to take that which is unearned. [...] Most people still lack the courage to realize that capitalism, real, free, uncontrolled, unregulated, laissez-faire capitalism, not the mongrel mixed economy we have today, was the ideal social system, which mankind had almost achieved, then lost.""Businessmen are a cheerful, benevolent, optimistic, predominantly American phenomenon. The essence of their job is the constant struggle to improve human life, to satisfy human needs and desires -- not to practice resignation, surrender, and worship of suffering. Here is the profound gulf between businessmen and altruism: businessmen do not sacrifice themselves to others. If they did, they would be out of business in a few months or days. They profit. They grow rich. They are rewarded as they should be. This is what the altruist, the collectivist, and other sundry humanitarians hate the businessmen for, that they pursue a personal goal and succeed at it."