Why do merchants need philosophy

Author: Ayn Rand
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The author once asked Greenspan to boldly estimate, in his view, what proportion of the true creators of wealth in our business world—those who are fully autonomous and possess independent judgment—actually exist. He thought for a moment and answered somewhat sadly, "On Wall Street—about 5%; in the industrial sector—about 15%." If the highest virtue of humanity is to sacrifice all desires, one must ask: How can humans survive and achieve happiness? Your only hope is to challenge this philosophy by believing in a rational, secular, and self-interested choice. Philosophy is not an ivory tower detached from the real world; rather, it is a practical necessity involving all aspects of the real world (from everyday business transactions to the broader issues of politics and economics). Without a proper philosophy as a foundation and justification, the free market of goods and ideas would disappear. The publication of Why Business Needs Philosophy is to honor the merchants around the world who deeply understand the necessity of proudly defending the moral standing of their profession.