I agree it would be empty, if there was no thought for others. But part of the premise of Galt's vow is that you don't sacrifice others for your own means, just like you ought not sacrifice yourself for others' means. The ones who are doing whatever they want, no matter the cost to others, are the people of the outside world...who, by the way, are claiming to care about a greater good when they are really just lining their own pockets and protecting their own interests.
Galt and his followers, while honest about taking pleasure in making money, were also honest about what others do for them and about not taking advantage of others. Ellis Wyatt talked not only about making money, but also about making enough for his needs (no more or less) and for being fair in how he traded with those from whom he needed things. The others said similar things. The only ones who displayed a sense of entitlement were the people in the outer world who demanded more and more sacrifice from everyone but themselves. They are the ones who talked bitterly about what was owed to them and who scorned those who did not see things their way. Galt's folks, on the other hand, lived their own lives amongst like-minded people and left everyone else alone to live however they saw fit.
Of course, just like any ideal, it wouldn't work in real life, because life isn't that simple. But it's a mistake to simplify Galt's followers down to a mere opposite of those they called "the looters". That society is written as far more grey than blank & white.
Re: I See What You Mean
Galt and his followers, while honest about taking pleasure in making money, were also honest about what others do for them and about not taking advantage of others. Ellis Wyatt talked not only about making money, but also about making enough for his needs (no more or less) and for being fair in how he traded with those from whom he needed things. The others said similar things. The only ones who displayed a sense of entitlement were the people in the outer world who demanded more and more sacrifice from everyone but themselves. They are the ones who talked bitterly about what was owed to them and who scorned those who did not see things their way. Galt's folks, on the other hand, lived their own lives amongst like-minded people and left everyone else alone to live however they saw fit.
Of course, just like any ideal, it wouldn't work in real life, because life isn't that simple. But it's a mistake to simplify Galt's followers down to a mere opposite of those they called "the looters". That society is written as far more grey than blank & white.