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Unrugged Individualism: The Selfish Basis of Benevolence

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In a world in which Judeo-Christian "altruism" is the opiate of the masses, the polemisists for this ideology have waged a smear campaign against its arch-enemy. So much for "altruism" towards those with whom they disagree. Evidence Garrison Keillor's book "Homegrown Democrat" for a scree on hatred and intolerance that rivals "Mein Kampf" in its high-strung tenor of bigotry and populist anti-intellectualism against one's "enemies." Along comes David Kelley, who presents an eminently convincing argument for the value of human dignity and life based not on the "revealed truth" of a gaseous vertebrate, or its secularized version, the state, but on the premise that human life must be the standard of all moral and ethical systems. He demonstrates very convincingly that tolerance and benevolence toward our fellow humans is an outgrowth of the recognition of the value of our own lives above the value of the group. He shows that the practice of egoism is a positive affirmation of human life as an ethical primary which enables one to feel comfortable with being tolerant of others' opinions, cultures, etc. As a consequence, one develops a generalized sense of benevolence not only toward our fellow human beings, but also to reality. Kelley's book takes its place among the growing galaxy of positive discussions of ethical egoism that started with Ayn Rand, and Nathaniel Brandoen's "The Virtue of Selfishness."

Kelley presented his analysis with right blend of references from Rand's work (which are not many) and his own original ideas. The level of details is really appropriate (Not too much repetetion, Not too much condensed). I think any admirer of Ayn Rand's work (As well as of Branden's work) would find it an essential read

Table of Contents

1.) INTRODUCTION

2.) BACKGROUND
Benevolence and Altruism
Benevolence and the "Benevolent Universe"

3.) The Nature of Benevolence
How to Analyze a Virtue
Values: What Benevolence is For
Facts: Why Benevolence is Necessary
Benevolence and Productiveness

4.) The Practice of Benevolence
Civility
Sensitivity
Generosity
Tolerance

5.) Conclusion

Notes