I have problems applying 'rational self interest' to both of Schindler's alter-egos. If it works for him, then there could be very little circumstances where one's actions (read: motives) could not be construed as being in one's 'rational self interest'.

For instance: Hannibal Lecter can only shut off the inner voices that torment him, by killing another human being. It is in Hannibal's self interest to do this, and Hannibal could probably convince just about anyone how rational this remedy is to him.

True the two types of risk-taking are not alike in details. However, I think it is fairly clear that one can risk ones life for one's principles without sacrificing one's rational self interest. I think AR made this point very well in her speech at West Point, "Philosophy: Who Needs It?" In this speech to one of the graduating classes in the early 70's she emphasized that the cadets' dedication to defending our nation was, in fact, not a relinquishing of rational self interest. Not a sacrifice in an altruistic sense.

Schindler's story was well known after WWII, and I wonder if Ayn Rand ever commented on it.

Galt was the founder of the Gulch, and of great personal interest to his rescuers. Schindler was neither a Jew, nor had any personal connections to the people that he ends up saving. He has a complete transformation....

I haven't given that movie much thought and haven't seen it in a long time but maybe he realized that his rational self interest did not extend to supporting slavery and the Nazi party. And he is rationally willing to risk his life and all of his possessions to do his part to undermine that system.

It seems that his "sacrifice" is no more a sacrifice of rational self interest than the raid of the Gulchers to rescue Galt from the government. They risked their lives but they did not view it as sacrificing their self interest.

Or the Founders pledging to risk their lives, their liberty, and their sacred honor?

Just a few thoughts IMO.

You were....
:)

No 'B' for Beefeater in the Gulch, either!

Want to hear something strange? I smoked a pipe for the last 40 years, and it stayed in my mouth during the last few years that I have been retired.

I put it away the same day as the gin, and I haven't really missed it as of the last few weeks.

I even ran across one of my pipes today, that still had half a bowl of my favorite tobacco in it. I looked at it...closed my eyes, and took a wonderful sniff...knocked the tobacco out...and added the pipe to my bagged collection. And no one was around to see if I held my resolution....

You on the wagon?
There's no T in gulch!
I didn't think you dissed anything. :)

Trying to get over my swearing off of the gin.

BTW: I didn't mean to come across as dissing KH's Gultch...I am very jealous.

If it wasn't illegal to own a Gila monster, I would be 'walking' mine every morning! I give up trying to get the collar on my roach....

Well.....she does have a better view.
Where ya been Rocky?

This would be a good film to discuss then, thanks.

"...but she has other things we don't have so...it all squares out."

Right.

We get to chase a roach out of our kitchen...she gets to chase a Gila monster.

LOL... that was good! "Does the community vote or something?"
"gulch" is kh code for where she is...she doesn't always have access to movies like we have here, but she has other things we don't have so...it all squares out.

The book is immensely better than the movie (The Fountainhead I mean.)

Schindler is solely motivated during the first half to promote, and fulfill, his ambitions. His successful end, justified any (and all) of his actions.

Fast forward...and he does a complete 180. Even to the point that he cries out at the ending that he overlooked sacrificing his gold ring...and feels the failure for that oversight.

I didn't care for that film myself. Would you mind explaining?

A movie that throws OUT rational self interest midway through, would be Schindler's List....

I am going to watch The Fountainhead tomorrow. I just read King Vidor wanted to cast Humphrey Bogart instead of Gary Cooper, I would have approved of this. Ayn Rand however did not.

well obviously The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged I and II.
V for Vendetta, Enemy of the State, Sound of Music, Bourne Identity series, Taken, Rob Roy, The Patriot...I have to think on this...I'll get back to you..,

I thought perhaps in your own home there might be a community vote. I should have known better.

"Individuals making their own decisions based on rational self interest. I look forward to your reviews weekly"

There is no better way to deliver a compliment. Well, that is if that was what you were going for. Do you know of any movies that deal with rational self interest which would be good for review? Besides Atlas Shrugged of course.

lol I have galted roger and outside the country. there are constraints and since I am IP conscious I do not download stuff I am not supposed to.
no community vote in here-have you been listening? Individuals making their own decisions based on rational self interest. I look forward to your reviews weekly

What do you mean showing in the gulch? Does it take a community vote or something?

glad to see the team back together again. this is a great movie and I'm watching iit tonight if it's showin in the gulch.