Voice of Courage

Liberty Toastmaster’s Day: The Principle of Self-Interest versus Principles of Altruism and Guilt

Liberty Toastmasters share their perspectives regarding the Principle of Self Interest versus Principles of Altruism and Guilt. Listen to there responses in the first hour.

• Brad Beck: “Stealing people’s property is the very essence of altruism”.* Living your life and existing for the sake of others is philosophically and morally incorrect. Helping others is only acceptable when it’s done of your own volition and benevolence.
• Rick Rome: Much like how feeding wildlife causes animals to feel less inclined to provide for themselves, accepting altruistic acts (“handouts”) is self-defeating behavior.
• Greg Morrissey: Altruism is almost a form of communism. Free money and handouts are meant to control people by making them want to depend on you.
• Bill Federer: It’s not selfish to solely pursue one’s own self interest. This is the very basis of natural rights.
• Terri Goon: People should be allowed to encourage their fellows to do “the right thing” but the government has no place in enforcing this. For example, property owners should be inclined to shovel their own sidewalks for their community, but they shouldn’t be fined for choosing not to do so.
• Dave Walden: Altruism isn’t compatible with individual rights. We must always be respectful of the rights of others.
• Marshall Dawson: Altruistic policies are being pushed not to benefit society but to acquire more funding.
• Josh Lallement: Self-interest is a natural behavior. You should only help others out of your own self interest. People should be uplifted when they fall on hard times, but their problems shouldn’t be solved for them