Estuary (City): The Romance of the Right; Ayn Rand and the sin of sacrifice

The Romance of the Right;
Ayn Rand and the sin of sacrifice
Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a bestselling novelist, especially popular in the USA. Her polarising philosophy denounced the idea of sacrifice, holding the individual (particularly their creativity and intellect) as supreme. This Estuary will contemplate Rand’s ideas of originality, self-interest and voluntary exchange; plus the philosophy’s differences and commonalities with other worldviews.

VIDEOS

1. John Galt's speech from 'Atlas Shrugged,' by Ayn Rand
   (Context: The novel’s strike leader speaks for the nation’s businessmen and industrialists, who over 12 years have quit, gradually and en masse. He contrasts moralities of sacrifice and altruism with a new morality of independence, reason and self-esteem.)
   https://youtu.be/SEDtQkeLFCE?t=127
   Watch from 2:07 to the end.
2. Ayn Rand discusses love and sacrifice
   https://youtu.be/1ZqKpfVW0i0?t=470
   Watch from 7:50 to 12:03.
3. A fan discusses being an artist
   https://youtu.be/0FecJZ_Z75s?t=133
   Watch from 2:13 to the end.
4. Article: Ayn Rand defends Marilyn Monroe
   https://capitalismmagazine.com/2003/07/marilyn-monroe-ayn-rand/
   (3-minute read)

Discussion Outline
Are competing moral values mutually exclusive?

Is sacrifice noble or deplorable?

How does an artist stay independent?

Why are beauty and talent sometimes shunned or punished?