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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which Greek philosopher is mentioned once within the book?

2. What are the two things Branden claims that perpetuate within society and threaten self-esteem?

3. Which of the following vocabulary words were not defined in Branden's essay on Mental Health versus Mysticism?

4. What does Branden identify as being referred to as an "evil" by Mystics?

5. To be selfish is not simply to act on the basis of a __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rand say about an act of good will in the case of an emergency?

2. What is faulty about the notion that everyone is selfish?

3. How does altruism fit into Branden's essay, "Isn't Everyone Selfish?"

4. What would Rand say about a person who searches for the good in some situations but does "the wrong thing" by mistake?

5. What is Ayn Rand's overall attempt in the writing of her essay, "The Cult of Moral Grayness?"

6. How might society commonly define compromise?

7. What commonly upheld principle does Rand deem evil in Western Society as stated in her essay on living a rational life?

8. What are Branden's ideas of self-sacrifice regarding mental health?

9. Explain the point Branden asserts at the beginning of "The Psychology of Pleasure."

10. Why is Ayn Rand so against compromise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From what you know of Rand and her relationship with Branden, is it possible for a person to care for other human beings without violating the theory of Objectivism? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Using Rand's objectivist theory, explain why it is rational to aid others in an emergency situation. How does this differ from Rand's belief about helping others in a situation which is not considered an emergency?

Essay Topic 3

What does it mean that someone should not attempt to further oneself at the expense of another? Cite some examples.

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