Rand had the conception of a society based on shared, rational individualist values and mutual consent. The "rational" is crucial since the more extremely irrational individuals are -- Islamo-fascists, human-hating envornomentalists, envy-driven communists -- the more apt they'll be to not care whether they take your freedom or your money.
In a culture based on rational, principled individualism, each of us would freely pursue our own rational values—whether nurturing a child to maturity or a business to profitability; whether writing a poem or a business plan; whether designing a building or laying its bricks.
It’s no paradox that such individualism would produce a benevolent society in which we each would be enriched, entertained, educated, enlightened, and inspired by the achievements of others.
The political and economic system that embodies these principles is called capitalism. It should be defended as a moral ideal, and its principles must be rooted in the minds, hearts and character of citizens and in the institutions of society.
Well said, Ed. It's so ironic that many of the antagonists on this thread (and anywhere Ayn Rand, or even libertarianism is the subject) cite "Me-ism", or ego-centrism, as the problem with our philosophy, when excessive subjectivity (or insufficient objectivity) is an entirely self-centered affliction. They are so wrapped up with their own feelings, their own point of view, that it is impossible for them to take a rational, outside view of the situation, if only for a moment.