A thorough understanding of the Objectivist ethics requires digesting not only the major virtues that Ayn Rand identified, but the implications of rational egoism for other types of action traditionally praised as virtuous. This lecture considers three such conventional virtues: kindness, generosity and charity. Are they lesser, subordinate virtues? Are they incompatible with egoism? Can generosity violate the virtue of justice? Under what conditions is it appropriate to be kind or generous or charitable? Addressing these questions will prod us to confront remnants of altruism that may continue to infect our attitudes.
