In two Capitalism Magazine polemics, Alex Epstein and Wayne Dunn call for CEOs and businesspeople to uphold the principle of self-interest with pride and zeal. “An Open Letter to CEOs: Defend the Profit Motive—or Perish” and “An Open Letter to Businesspeople,” written in 2006 and 2007 respectively, pit entrepreneurs against “moral enemies” and “servitude sheep.”
Dunn draws the line between “men and women of creative ability, of talent, of inventiveness, of productive achievement” and “Mother Teresa-types” unambiguously, claiming that those whose lives are motivated by service and self-sacrifice make an insignificant contribution to humanity when compared to entrepreneurs driven by self-interest.
Epstein, who portrays “the moral enemy” as more of a thug than a martyr, exhorts CEOs to “Be proud that you have become rich; your income—unlike that of the politicians who denounce you—is the result not of coercion, but of honest production and voluntary trade.”
The simplistic polarization of stereotypes represented in these libertarian rants fuels misunderstanding and distrust, provoking enmity instead of offering insights that might spark partnerships between people of complementary gifts. What is threatening about the idea that wealth builders and people of other gifts should be able to work together for the betterment of humankind? Is a win-lose outcome more desirable than a win-win?
Not only are Epstein and Dunn unaware that ethical egoism, the polemic philosophy informing their position, has been found inconsistent by most moral philosophers, these Ayn Randians seem to have forgotten that America’s economic resilience lies in its mixed economy. Those who call for ethical reform in business haven’t forgotten. They are not calling for an end to private enterprise, which is, by far, the greatest contributor to the GDP. They are not advocating equality of condition for all or proposing straitjacket regulations to put a damper on creative entrepreneurs. They are asking for solutions to gross errors and violations of public trust that undermine the health of the economy, as well as the nation’s morale.
Fortunately, the majority of American CEOs ARE ethical. They do not treat their employees like subservient beasts to be disposed of inhumanely when times get tough. They do not exploit employees by paying them subsistence wages while taking a king’s ransom for themselves. They don’t take advantage of the weak or disadvantaged to turn a quick buck.
They don’t capitalize on the expertise and loyalty of their employees for 20 or 30 years, only to ditch them as they reach retirement age.
They don’t lie, cheat, or steal. They don’t even attempt to rationalize the unconscionable actions of their peers who do. But instead of lauding the Business Roundtable’s response to those unconscionable actions—“We must and will act collectively to rebuild the trust that has been lost by the reckless disregard of a few”--Epstein accuses them of groveling to their attackers.
It isn’t private enterprise and the individual’s right to pursue happiness in the way he or she is best suited that are under attack by “servitude sheep.” It isn’t the wealth builders or those whose tastes and values are expressed in mansions, designer clothes, and private jets. The “bleating” isn’t even about the disparity of income between successful entrepreneurs and “servitude sheep” like teachers and nurses.
Self-fulfillment and value to society are not achievements reserved for the service oriented or for an entrepreneurial elite. Teachers, nurses, firefighters and peace officers need equipment supplied by entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs need the education and training provided by teachers, the care given by medical professionals, and the protection provided by firefighters and police. Society needs innovators, philanthropists, and politicians to address social problems and to help empower all members of society to reach their greatest potential.
Protecting our freedom to pursue happiness and realize our potential is a job for all Americans, one most effectively carried out in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. By pitting people with different gifts against one another, the cheerleaders of selfish-interest are eliminating opportunities for productive partnerships—and at a great cost to all.
Silke Fauve teaches college English in Seattle Washington and promotes critical thinking about transhumanist issues, as a Humanity Plus activist.
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