Ayn Rand appeared on The Les Crane Show in 1964 to promote her just-published essay collection The Virtue of Selfishness. In this interview, Ayn Rand explains why she considers selfishness to be a virtue. The host challenges Rand on a number of issues, including the purpose of government, government financing without mandatory taxation, business regulations, Christian ethics, the welfare of the poor under free-market capitalism and the idea that successful individuals owe a debt to society.

Les Crane was a radio announcer and television talk show host, a pioneer in interactive broadcasting. He was the first network television personality to compete with Johnny Carson after Carson became a fixture of late-night television.