cometfootball2008

Thanks for the help. My question was more along the lines of saving someone, not just in firefighting, but in other occupations. Example, a surgeon. I figure that if he's doing it for his own enjoyment, that it wouldnt be selfless. If he's doing it for others, then it would be. Thanks a lot again.

Thanks very much for the responses. I have VoS, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I will be sure to now, thanks again.

These were the things I were trying to break down myself. For example, a firefighter goes into a burning building to save a person. Some would say it is a selfless act, that they are risking their life for another. But, if that person did it for the rush that they get from it, for their own 'fun' or enjoyment, then it would be selfish. My other question is, is it considered 'living through another person' if the firefighter would get enjoyment out of saving the persons life? Sorry if I'm being vague, please ask anything else that you might be wondering.

Hi, I'm new here. In the past half year or so, I've become interested in Ayn Rand and her theory of Objectivism. I am by no means an expert on the subject, or do I think I really have a good understanding of it. I'm trying to educate myself more on the topic. My question is this. In some professions, such as being a firefighter or ER worker, is it considered selflessness when they do their work? I feel a bit confused, because after reading the Fountainhead, selflessness is portrayed as a great evil. In these jobs, a person is working for the happiness of others. On the flip side of that though, I was thinking that they may be doing it for their own selfish reasons, such as to make themselves happy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.