Alef: The NEXT Conversation

Atlas Mooched

By Masha Chernyak

I’ve spent these past weeks obsessing over Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. The thousand-plus-page book is set in an alternative reality in the U.S. where a clash between “looters”/”moochers” and “movers” takes place. Rand explores a number of philosophical themes she calls “objectivism” with particular focus on “the role of man’s mind in existence.” In a nutshell, she suggests that the economy and the entire world would collapse without profit-driven individuals – the “movers.” Without them, the world would come to a halt. I couldn’t possibly agree more. These individuals are competent, do not shy away from responsibility, strive for innovation, work hard, and as a result, are highly productive. They make a lot of money that they certainly deserve.

The other group of people are either the “moochers” or the “looters.” They try to get money without work; either by force (looters) or through pity (moochers). The class of looters is an obvious social pest because they come to possess property through force. They are gun-wielding robbers, corrupt officials, and all those who use their power to take the possessions of others. No argument can be made in their defense.

But the moochers were of a particular interest to me. Moochers come to possess property through pity. This class does not work to make money. Ergo, they are not productive members of society and live as parasites on the backs of the productive class. Moochers are just as parasitic as looters. They tug at the heart to reach the purse. Moochers hold fundraisers. Moochers meet with donors. Moochers promote their organization to receive funds. Moochers use catchphrases like “for a good cause,” “community,” and “social welfare.”

My heart sank at the thought that a good part of my life might fall under this category. But my community involvement is something I am quite proud of. Here I was thinking I was doing something good for the world. I’ve spent countless hours in the last couple of years doing what I thought was a mitzvah! My part-time job is as a fellow for Birthright Israel NEXT where I organize community and educational events for Birthright Israel alumni and their friends. Just last week, I spent money that I did not earn on a mask-making/wine tasting event. Inspired by Purim and with a Mardi Gras twist, it drew about 25 people who sat around tables in a gallery, painting, gluing, drinking, and laughing. Many of the participants did not know each other. Most did not know anything about Purim and were fascinated by the story. Every single person told me how much fun they had and how they would love to do it again. It was beautiful!

But I digress.

Are all my notions wrong? Would I have been doing more for the world if I just got a second job as a cashier somewhere? I spent a sleepless night thinking this over.

The first rays of sun in the early morning came with a revelation. I jumped off the bed in elation. I realized that I’m still a part of the motor of the world, but I simply produce something that cannot be easily evaluated through a monetary approach. How much would one pay for a sense of Jewish community in a large city? How much would you pay for your children to retain closeness to their heritage? It’s worth quite a lot even if people are not willing to pay money for it. That’s where volunteers and activists like myself come in. Since nothing in this world is free, we are forced to ask for money of those who understand the value of what we deliver. Yes, we use the money that we did not make, that was donated to us by an individual or institution. But we also add something essential to the world. We provide a service that those who gave us money are essentially paying for. In that sense, I am no different than the policeman who provides a service that cannot be easily measured in dollars but is clearly valuable nonetheless.

Perhaps none of my arguments can redeem me in the eyes of objectivists. If that is so, let Ayn Rand damn me because I am a moocher and proud of it!

Read more posts from Issue #11: Money, Greed, & Guilt

Photo by Fly Navy, licensed under Creative Commons.

Tags: Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand, Money, Philosophy, Social Welfare

Posted by Sarah, Friday, April 2nd, 2010, 12:08 pm, Money Greed and Guilt.