Controversial Author Ayn Rand Shares Her Philosophy of Love in an Animated 1959 Interview

In the most recent episode of the animated video series Blank on Blank, the renowned and controversial author Ayn Rand shares her philosophy of love in a 1959 interview with television journalist Mike Wallace.

I say that man is entitled to his own happiness. And that he must achieve it himself. But that he cannot demand that others give up their lives to make him happy. And nor should he wish to sacrifice himself for the happiness of others. I hold that man should have self-esteem. ..It is immoral if it is a love placed above oneself. It is more than immoral, it’s impossible. Because when you are asked to love everybody indiscriminately. That is to love people without any standard. To love them regardless of whether they have any value or virtue, you are asked to love nobody.

The original televised 1959 interview in its entirety.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.