Worker8

I work in a hospital and I can tell you that most of the people in there for costly things (spinal/cardiac/neurological issues) are there because of poor lifestyle choices or because they are old. Not only do I agree with everyone who has said that forcing people to action is wrong, but think ethically about the outcome of free, universal healthcare. If people were guaranteed healthcare, thats one less thing that unproductive people have to worry about in their quest to coast and people in general would make worse choices regarding their health simply because they could afford to. So, not only would it be wrong in principle, I guarantee there would be more wastes of money than actual good done. One of my favorite parts of The Republic is when Plato talks about how great physicians should only practice on those who want to help themselves and are injured of circumstances beyond their control.

Firstly, I think you should promote selfishness when the occaision is right. Secondly, the occaision is hardly ever right as you will surely need to clarify many points as many people have negative views of selfishness dating back to childhood. To start, I would think it would be useful to quote Mr. Galt in his vow never to live for anyone else or to ask anyone else to live for him; thus showing that by selfishness you don't mean greed without regard for others. Once you have established your definition of selfishness as determination to solve your own problems and make your own way the only way your opponent might go would be to question the responsibility of one man for others. This might range from acting according to the emotions of others, working for those who do not, etc. Anything from here seems easy enough to argue away. If the person you are talking to is illogical in their method of arguement, don't talk to them.