In spiritual issues, a trader is a man who does not seek to be loved for his weaknesses or flaws,
only for his virtues, and who does not grant his love to the weaknesses or the flaws of others,
Only a rationally selfish man, a man of self-esteem, is capable of love
—because he is the only man capable of holding firm, consistent, uncompromising, unbetrayed values.
The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone.
It is only on the basis of rational selfishness—on the basis of justice—that men can be fit to live together in a free,
peaceful, prosperous, benevolent, rational society.
Can man derive any personal benefit from living in a human society?
Yes—if it is a human society.
The two great values to be gained from social existence are: knowledge and trade.
Man is the only species that can transmit and expand his store of knowledge from generation to generation;
the knowledge potentially available to man is greater than any one man could begin to acquire in his own life-span;
every man gains an incalculable benefit from the knowledge discovered by others.
The second great benefit is the division of labor:
it enables a man to devote his effort to a particular field of work and to trade with others who specialize in other fields.
This form of cooperation allows all men who take part in it to achieve a greater knowledge,
skill and productive return on their effort than they could achieve if each had to produce everything he needs,
on a desert island or on a self-sustaining farm.
Can be good and bad. You have to take care of yourself and be confident. Don't be cocky.
