Meaning: The quote "Do not ever say that the desire to 'do good' by force is a good motive. Neither power-lust nor stupidity are good motives." by Ayn Rand, a Russian-American writer and philosopher, reflects her strong belief in individualism, rational self-interest, and the rejection of altruism enforced through coercion.

Ayn Rand's philosophy, known as Objectivism, emphasizes the importance of reason, individual rights, and laissez-faire capitalism. In this quote, Rand condemns the use of force or compulsion to achieve altruistic goals, as she argues that true goodness cannot be achieved through coercion, power-lust, or stupidity.

Rand's criticism of using force to "do good" can be understood in the context of her broader philosophical views. She believed that individuals should act in their rational self-interest and pursue their own well-being without sacrificing themselves for the sake of others. According to Rand, altruism, which advocates selflessness and the sacrifice of one's own interests for the benefit of others, is fundamentally flawed and destructive. In her view, altruism enforced through force or compulsion is an infringement on individual rights and a violation of the principles of liberty and autonomy.

Furthermore, Rand's rejection of power-lust and stupidity as good motives aligns with her emphasis on the importance of rationality and the pursuit of values based on reason. She believed that true goodness and moral virtue stem from rational self-interest and the pursuit of one's own happiness, rather than from the desire for power or the lack of cognitive competence. Rand's philosophy advocates for the pursuit of excellence and the recognition of the value of individual achievement, which contrasts with the notion of using force or coercion to impose altruistic ideals.

The quote also reflects Rand's criticism of collectivism and authoritarianism, as she opposed any form of coercive power that seeks to impose a particular conception of "good" on individuals. Rand argued that individuals should be free to pursue their own values and goals without interference from external authorities or the imposition of altruistic mandates.

In summary, Ayn Rand's quote underscores her rejection of using force or compulsion to achieve altruistic ends, as she believes that true goodness and moral virtue stem from rational self-interest and individual autonomy. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual rights, reason, and the pursuit of one's own happiness, while condemning the use of power-lust and stupidity as motives for altruistic actions. This quote encapsulates Rand's broader critique of altruism, collectivism, and authoritarianism, as she advocates for the recognition of individual sovereignty and the pursuit of rational self-interest as fundamental principles of a flourishing society.