Ayn Rand

I find her an extremely interesting person, her philosophy extremely interesting. I don't know how much I agree with her. I do believe the 'I' is important. But to the extent she takes that concept? I wonder what society would be like - better or worse, and by whose perspective - if we did live the way she proposes. I do agree with a lot of what she says about the thinkers and leaders of the world and what they should be entitled to.

But the description of her ideal man brings the word 'selfish' to mind. I do not believe in selflessness myself, and have always stated that a certain level of selfishness is a must to ensure people don't treat you as a doormat. But sometimes I feel there is an extreme that she takes it to.

But then there are days when people take you for granted. When the male chauvinist world we live in, even as modern women in a cosmopolitan city, frustrates the crap out of me. More, it hurts that people still think they can think that way and make you feel like you're less important with no repercussions. And on those days, I feel like believing and being that person she describes. Or what I think is the person she describes anyways.

I will be who I want, the best that I believe I can be. Your definition of me does not matter. Your perception of me does not matter. I will not do something because I am afraid of whether you will approve. I will do what I feel is right based on what is important to me, how you treat me, how much respect I get for who I am. And I will not respect you for your position in society, in work or at home, but only for what you do to me, who you are as a person.

Today I really want to be able to feel and act that way. And have the courage the face the consequences of being that way. Today I want to be selfish.