Tag Archives: philosophy

The ideal “from each according to ability, to each according to need” continues to be held as an unquestionable good, despite repeated failures to make it a reality.  Even if this ideal is in fact impossible to attain (due to human nature, poor planning, or the corrupting influence of other cultures), we should still strive for it–or so the thinking goes.  But what is it that makes this ideal so desirable?  “From each according to ability, to each according to need” paints a picture of a world where everyone’s needs are met: a utopia.  But what if there were a different way to achieve that world–one which takes advantage of our basic human nature, rather than trying to “improve” it?  A world in which those who give the most to society receive, rather than sacrifice, the most in return?  The Objectivism of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged suggests an alternative path to utopia: it suggests that “from each according to ability, to each according to need” may not only be an impossible ideal, but also an immoral one–and that the creation and “selfish” exchange of value is not just the best way to get yourself ahead, it is ultimately the truest possible act of respect, charity and compassion a human being can perform.
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