Historically, Americans have fiercely defended the idea that every man has a birthright to the pursuit of happiness. An individual's success in attaining happiness, however, depends on what he does with that right.
"The Pursuit of Happiness—And Tools for Attaining It" probes three factors vitally necessary to achieve happiness. While numerous goods can contribute to a happy life, this lecture examines a handful: pride, productiveness (including discussion of the place of money and of greed), and unabashed selfishness.
Tara Smith, who is a professor of philosophy at the University of Texas—Austin and holder of the BB&T Chair for the Study of Objectivism, delivered this talk in Chicago on April 17, 2012, as part of the Ayn Rand Center Speaker Series.
