Working at Netflix and Ayn Rand
Netflix values and rewards 9 core behaviors, including this one:
Selflessness
You are perceived to be guided by what you think is best for Netflix, rather than best for yourself. You are ego-less when it comes to finding the best ideas and interacting with others.
This is very anti-Ayn Rand, and also kind of stupid. So if I work at Netflix I have to forget about my own wants and wishes and give my soul to Netflix? If you work at uglychart.com, we value this one:
Selfishness
You are guided by what you think is best for yourself (obviously), and uglychart.com will reward those who work hard. You know you are smart and good at what you do, why else would we have hired you?
I think the confusion comes in that people think that selfishness means not doing for others and greed means stealing and other dishonest and unkind acts. The Dalai Lama even says that the goal of life is to be happy. But sometimes the best way to this selfish desire is through acts that may seem selfless. And sometimes the best way to this noble goal is through acts that may seem selfish.
I think the Dalai Lama and Ayn Rand are saying the same thing, deep down.
