By definition, “public good” is a commodity that is provided without benefit to ALL members of a society either by government, a private individual, or an organization. Hank Rearden proudly states, “The public good be damned. I will have no part of it!” (445)
Thit profound statement brought the courtroom to an uproar of cheer and applause, leaving Hank just as startled as the three judges before him. His statement was bold, yet it set him apart from a great number of business men such as, “James Taggart and his friends” and brought him closer to strikers like Francisco d’Anconia. But, why was it so courageous? And how exactly does it set him apart from others? What did he mean? These are questions that can be answered when taking a closer …show more content…
It seems to be a controversial topic, because it advocates a slight selfishness about a person’s life style and frowns upon altruism. Many people cannot accept the code of objectivism. According to objectivism: Man must only exist from himself. Man should not sacrifice himself for the greater good of others. Man should not expect others to sacrifice themselves for him. Man’s sole purpose is to achieve and obtain his own happiness. Hank exhibits this when he says to the judges, “I work for nothing but my own profit. I earn it.” (444) Rand’s objectivism revolves around Laissez Faire Capitalism like the Earth revolves around the Sun. In Laissez Faire Capitalism the government simply leaves anything regarding economics alone and allows everything to fix itself. Government acts only as a policeman to protect man’s rights. Hank Rearden wishes to be left alone. He wants it to be understood that he works for his own benefit and only his, although he does not obtain his power and wealth by exploiting those around him. Rearden works with a select few, but only when they freely volunteer and the deals provide mutual benefit to all parties involved. Hank makes a deal with Ken Danagger. A deal that puts him on trial for violating the Fair Share
Thit profound statement brought the courtroom to an uproar of cheer and applause, leaving Hank just as startled as the three judges before him. His statement was bold, yet it set him apart from a great number of business men such as, “James Taggart and his friends” and brought him closer to strikers like Francisco d’Anconia. But, why was it so courageous? And how exactly does it set him apart from others? What did he mean? These are questions that can be answered when taking a closer …show more content…
It seems to be a controversial topic, because it advocates a slight selfishness about a person’s life style and frowns upon altruism. Many people cannot accept the code of objectivism. According to objectivism: Man must only exist from himself. Man should not sacrifice himself for the greater good of others. Man should not expect others to sacrifice themselves for him. Man’s sole purpose is to achieve and obtain his own happiness. Hank exhibits this when he says to the judges, “I work for nothing but my own profit. I earn it.” (444) Rand’s objectivism revolves around Laissez Faire Capitalism like the Earth revolves around the Sun. In Laissez Faire Capitalism the government simply leaves anything regarding economics alone and allows everything to fix itself. Government acts only as a policeman to protect man’s rights. Hank Rearden wishes to be left alone. He wants it to be understood that he works for his own benefit and only his, although he does not obtain his power and wealth by exploiting those around him. Rearden works with a select few, but only when they freely volunteer and the deals provide mutual benefit to all parties involved. Hank makes a deal with Ken Danagger. A deal that puts him on trial for violating the Fair Share