Ayn Rand's philosophy of "Objectivism" and her ideas on Altruism helps us think on the lines of a "civilisational bliss".Rand,hypothise "Altruism" as the greatest crime in the world and in a way,her ideas are true as there will be always be a class division until we do not examine the idea of "Altruism".
Limiting the writeup only to our personal lives, we all are aware of the fact that any person we interact with wants us to be good and be better in some cases but never far beyond the way they could reach.When you attain a level of equal magnanimity you become a competition.In today's world of trade "Oligopoly" is the arch of life.Be it social, economical or political,the indignation of all people are channelised ,treated and influenced for the benefit of few.The hidden agenda of Altruistic egoism acts as the saviour and the satisfaction of self is derived by keeping one below the other's self esteem.
Rand was against this and in many ways gave importance to individualism over group theories.The delicate understanding of individuals forming groups and groups influencing individuals form the essence of social functioning.We all are in a way born with free will and with the right to exert it.But free will exercised in an impulsive manner would soon put an end to the human race.This is because, right from creating a nuclear weapon to masturbate in public is exercised by the free will of thought.All social norms and rigid laws have been carefully cemented of over the idea of promoting peace with self defence in the case of nuclear weapon enrichment and promoting decency via strict moral code by banishing public exposure of uncontrolled free will.The question that one may raise here is "Do you stand supportive to extend your free will without any social concern?".My answer is a big NO .The point I am trying to convey here is that these norms have become the shepherd of our human race and that we are not being able to think beyond these barriers.It's simply a guided path to nowhere.
Rand's idea to accept an individual as an individual and to explore one's potential to the maximum shall glorify mankind.However, with 720 crore world population, given a chance to explore one's own potential, the world would be at chaos unless we are guided by human values.Not cultural, not religious but human values.Hence Rand's stand of absolute individualism gets negated when looking upon the existence of the human race as a whole.
But can Rand's philosophy be completely ignored and can Altruism be seen as a framework for human progress? Again my answer is a NO.Humans within the sphere of common good should be able to achieve his/her highest level.The basis of an equal society is the absence of privileges.Altruistic egoism is a way of accepting that one lies above another and this philosophy if need to exist shall maintain the class division by all means.Then how come Altruism lead to social equality? Think.
