Canadians man... gd Canadians.

So I read Anthem a bit on my way here. I didn't wanna spoil it too much in one day... being <100 pages and all. I kinda think it's strange because I like the idea that man isn't one giant collective but I also feel like man has a responsibility to his fellow man, to take care of those who can't or are too lazy. I believe the government has a role in making sure we help take care of each other. I couldn't figure out exactly why I felt like I wanted to get behind the idea, but couldn't... until I sat staring at a TV in a hotel bar, slightly buzzed from some not so bad Canadian beer. It's gender role staring me in the face. Men are the providers, not just for themselves but for the family, for the tribe, and inevitably for the society. Women, on the other hand, are able to be much more selective, much more selfish about their choices. They can think about what's best for them, because in the end, that is what's best for society. If they choose the best mate, the end result is good for the rest of us. If a man decides to save the product of that day's hunt for himself, he only contributes to the downfall of society.

I have to say that despite my liberal tendencies, I like Ayn Rand's work. I like the idea that man is free and only has responsibility to himself. I like thinking that in the end, I only need care about what serves me the best. That makes it easy. Unfortunately, I can't help but think it's not quite right. Objectivism is as great on paper as any other philosophical ideal. We can entertain it as long as we disassociate ourselves from the outside world.