Ayn Rand on Love and Happiness | Blank on Blank

" I have no faith at all. I only hold convictions."
- Ayn Rand on February 25, 1959, as told to Mike Wallace

Recording from Mike Wallace Collection @ Harry Ransom Center
The University of Texas at Austin

Ayn Rand, author of the still resonating Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, sat down with Mike Wallace in a dark studio in 1959. The two had the kind of lively, smart, give and take, back and forth, philosophical conversation that certainly feels like it's from another era. Wallace smoked at times during the interview. The mood was still. The camera work direct.

What struck us about this golden interview was hearing Rand passionately and forcefully about her view on the essence of what drives much of life: love. To her it was like a business deal. Love was not about the other person, but the selfish pleasure it brings you.

Was Ayn Rand right about the true meaning of love and happiness?

More classic Ayn Rand:
"Aristotle... is the only philosopher that ever influenced me. I devised the rest of my philosophy myself."
"Man is entitled to his own happiness. And that he must achieve it himself.
"Man cannot demand that others give up their lives to make him happy."
"Nobody has ever given a reason why men should be their brother’s keepers."
"You don‘t love causes. You don’t love everybody indiscriminately. You love only those who deserve it."

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Executive Producer: David Gerlach
Animator: Patrick Smith
Audio Producer: Amy Drozdowska
Colorist: Diana Tantillo

Music You Heard
APM MUSIC
@ 0:29 "Frozen Wonder" by Marc Frederick Teitler
@ 4:12 "Adagietto" by John Horler And Chris Laurence

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[Ccda]

I love how in this interview he did not only listen but challenged her views and thoughts
It was really interesting to hear them go back and forth

[DI-ukrj]

This interviewer is a pro, who brings out the best in Rands argument while still trying to ask tough questions

[chase_h.]

"If a man wants love, he should correct his flaws and he may deserve it." - A statement I feel has become very much forgotten.

[artjimmerson]

It was great to finally see true journalism. The interviewer did not try to smear Ayn Rand yet he was challenging her views.

[solortus]

To be independent from one another and yet to choose to live by each other is the greatest form of love there is.

[angelchama]

one of the hardest hiting things in life is when you realize youre responsible for yourself

[SNEEKY]

Interviewer: "Is he supported in his efforts by the _state_ ?"

Ayn Rand: "MOST CERTAINLY *NOT* "

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
― Ayn Rand

[thelongslowgoodbye]

I disagree with Mike Wallace's viewpoints but it's rare to find a top quality journalist like him nowadays.

[atlasshrugd]

many people misinterpret her philosophy. she is not saying 'you can't love or value anyone' or that you must be selfish all the time. when she uses the term 'selfish' she doesn't mean 'egocentric' or 'self-absorbed' or 'narcissistic.' she is talking about valuing the wellbeing of oneself first and foremost, before tending to the needs of others - because how can you help others, if you cannot help yourself? it is like giving people cups of water from your bucket, but your bucket has a hole in the bottom, forever leaking. transference of energy is a currency - it is an exchange of value. it is man's free will that can decide if they are willing to exchange or not. that is not selfish, that is having your own standards, values, self-esteem and self-worth. in conclusion, one must first be strong enough before they can help others, a bucket without a hole, because if one has nothing and tries to give, then all you are left with is two people with nothing. nobody, in the long-term, is helping anyone.

[kichigaisensei]

"When you are asked to love everybody indiscriminately, that is, without any standard to love them regardless if they have any value or virtue you are asked to love nobody."

More brilliant words have rarely been spoken.

[THFLCNx]

Love her, hate her, say what you will about her, you can't say she wasn't original. She was going HARD against the grain - and gave zero sh*ts about that fact. She was definitely one of a kind.

[TheOsamaBahama]

"Selfishness". She is misinterpreted by the use of that word until today. What she meant with "selfishness" was that people have an obligation only to their own happiness. You can't demand other people to sacrifice for you. And you also can't hurt other people to get what you want. You should pursue your own happiness while respecting the individual rights of everyone. And you can help people if you want, but you shouldn't feel obligated. There is no merit on following your mere obligations. But there is merit in helping other people. That's because caring for other people is not an obligation, it's something more: it's a virtue.

[spoocyguy]

I like that this channel doesn't only stick to the feel good happy happy stuff. I like a little grime and hardness every now and then.

[Jjrmtv]

interesting that there was a time when TV actually had intelligent programs

[Monsternetero]

“We have complicated every simple gift of the gods” -Diogenes

[PogieJoe]

Wow Patrick Smith has outdone himself. The moodiness of the design...the wavers in the drawings as the tape messed up...the stylization. Magnificent work, sir!

[leonard]

Wait, people used to have conversations like these in the past ? wow, how times change

[Proseless]

“I have no faith at all- I only hold conviction.”

Brilliantly stated.

[aguspuig]

You know you love someone when helping them stops feelung like a chore and somehow gives you pleasure
If you dont help him/her because youre generous but because you take selfish pleasure in it i say youve found real love