Randian Redemption

Ayn Rand wants to redeem the concept of selfishness in service to her egoist ethics. And I basically agree, but I would use rough synonyms for selfishness, words life self-interest, enlightened self-interest or egoist concerns. Let me quote her from her book Virtue and Selfishness, Page x: "To rebel against so devastating an evil, one has to rebel against its basic premise. To redeem both men and morality, it is the concept of 'selfishness' that one has to redeem. The first step is to assert man's right to a moral existence--that is: to recognize his need of a moral code to guide the course and fulfillment of his own life . . . The reasons why a man needs a moral code will tell you that the purpose of morality is to define man's natural values and interests, that concern with his own interests is the essence of a moral existence, and that man must be the beneficiary of his own moral actions." My response: Rand is a moral giant and courageous moral leader that exhorted humans to rebel against traditional altruist ethical codes, to redeem the ethical principle of egoism as morally worthy and desirable. Good and evil, ethical states and values, are concepts that are built into nature itself, and permeates human societies everywhere. To do good and live well is desirable and leads to happiness, and maybe to heaven as a final destination. To eschew evil is wise too. A moral code is critically useful to human need for ethical guidance on how to live and become good. Rand urges that each agent has a right to be the beneficiary of his own moral actions, and for the most part I agree with her.