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I have been a fan (not quite a devotee, but a fan definitely) of Ayn Rand's principles of self for a long, long time.
The whole point of pleasure being important to one's daily existence is exceptionally valid. Honestly, no matter what you believe happens after death, living one's life as fully as possible is the only way to truly live a life that is worthwhile. Materially, the taste of that first sip of coffee in the morning is as important as the feel of sheets on flesh as you crawl into bed at night. More intangible things, like the feel of the sun on one's face, or the bite of winter chill, the sound of music one enjoys.... These things all combine to give a person ways to find deep, visceral pleasure in their day to day life.
A person who is fully self-aware, completely involved in what constitutes the pleasure of making life worthwhile, is not self-absorbed... rather, he/she is one of the few who are comfortable in their own skin, confident in whatever they believe (or don't believe) and are able to see past the insanities of conflicting messages and fairly impervious to the slings and arrows of others who are not self-aware.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Halism. *grins* Maybe I'll dig out my ol' dusty copies of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged and give them a go again. Or maybe I'll just curl up in my favorite blanket and enjoy a hot cup of my favorite tea.
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“When facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
~Sinclair Lewis
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