'The Psychology of Altruism' (1964) by Ayn Rand

'The Psychology of Altruism' is a 30-minute radio interview featuring Ayn Rand, conducted in 1964 as part of her “Ayn Rand on Campus” series at Columbia University’s WKCR radio station. In this discussion, Rand articulates her critique of altruism, a central theme in her Objectivist philosophy.

Rand defines altruism as, “an ethical system which claims that man has no right to exist for his own sake, that the sole justification of his existence is the service he renders to others, and that self-sacrifice is his cardinal virtue, value and duty” . She emphasizes that altruism should not be conflated with kindness or goodwill, arguing that these are consequences of a rational ethical system, not its foundation.

Throughout the interview, Rand addresses several key points: The Fallacy of Psychological Egoism: She challenges the notion that all human actions are inherently self-interested, asserting that true altruism demands self-sacrifice, which she deems neither virtuous nor practical.

Altruism’s False Dichotomy: Rand critiques the idea that morality consists of choosing between sacrificing oneself for others or sacrificing others for oneself, labeling this a false alternative.

Self-Esteem and Altruism: She explores how altruistic ethics can undermine individual self-worth by promoting self-denial and dependence on others' needs.

The Desire for the Unearned: Rand discusses how altruism can foster a mentality that values unearned rewards, leading to a culture of entitlement.

This interview provides insight into Rand's opposition to altruism and her advocacy for rational self-interest as the cornerstone of ethical behavior.