Letters, Mar. 21, 1960

On Altruism

Sir:

I read "objectivist" Ayn Rand's anti-altruistic philosophy [Feb. 29] with a shudder of horror. Her whole idea of life is incredibly wrong. She seems an embittered, unfortunate woman who has never learned the joys of giving to other people, liking other people and being liked by them.

ARABELLE M. PARMET Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Sir:

In your report of my lecture at Yale University [Feb. 29], you alleged that I oppose the morality of altruism because it "leads to self-immolation, tolerance of the 'incompetent' common man, the welfare state, and ultimately to...