Every aspect of Western culture needs a new code of ethics - a rational ethics - as a precondition of rebirth

Every aspect of Western culture needs a new code of ethics - a rational ethics - as a precondition of rebirth

Ayn Rand, a prominent philosopher and novelist, believed that every aspect of Western culture needs a new code of ethics - a rational ethics - as a precondition of rebirth. Rand's philosophy, known as Objectivism, emphasizes reason, individualism, and self-interest as the guiding principles for human behavior. According to Rand, a rational ethics is necessary to counteract the prevailing moral relativism and collectivism that she saw as pervasive in Western culture.

Rand argued that traditional ethical systems, such as altruism and self-sacrifice, are fundamentally flawed because they require individuals to sacrifice their own interests for the sake of others. In Rand's view, this leads to a culture of self-denial and self-sacrifice, which she believed stifles individual creativity and achievement. Instead, Rand advocated for a rational ethics based on the principle of rational self-interest, where individuals are free to pursue their own happiness and well-being without being burdened by the demands of others.

According to Rand, a rational ethics is essential for the rebirth of Western culture because it provides a moral framework that is consistent with human nature and the requirements of a free society. Rand believed that a rational ethics would enable individuals to live according to their own values and goals, rather than being dictated by the expectations of society or the demands of others. This, in turn, would lead to a culture of individualism, creativity, and innovation, where individuals are free to pursue their own happiness and well-being without being constrained by the limitations of traditional ethical systems.