Rand recognized no contradiction between the "common good" and the good of individuals in a society of individuals pursuing their rational, responsible, principled self-interest. When individuals guide their lives by such principles and seek their own happiness in accordance with the best within them, they only wish to deal with others based on mutual consent rather than the initiation of force. They measure their virtue not by how such they give away or sacrifice but, rather, their achievements, whether they nurture a child to maturity or a business to profitability, write a song, a poem or a business plan, lay the bricks to a building, design the building or arrange its financing.
In a society of such individuals there will be few laying in the gutter; that morality of true self-esteem based on achievement, discipline, responsibility holds out a vision of the joy life has to offer.
Rand considered this a very un-Christian view and she was right. The symbol of virtue is not suffering on a cross but living and flourishing in this world.
Well said, Ed!
Happy Birthday Ayn!