The Morality of SuccessMost people take it for granted that morality means self-sacrifice. In ancient Greece, where the science of ethics got its start, morality was not about self-sacrifice. “The purpose of morality,” Rand writes, “is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live.” We need morality to help us make choices that will foster success and happiness. The same reasons that lead a profit seeker to love earned money lead him to spurn unearned money, money won in defiance of the need to produce. The morality of sacrifice says to place nothing above the needs of others—including your own values, standards, and convictions.

Source: New York Times December 06, 2023 14:58 UTC