Do you believe that women as well as men should organize their lives
around work—and if so, what kind of work?
RAND
Of course. I believe that women are human beings. What is proper for a
man is proper for a woman. The basic principles are the same. I would not
attempt to prescribe what kind of work a man should do, and I would not attempt
it in regard to women. There is no particular work which is specifically
feminine. Women can choose their work according to their own purpose and
premises in the same manner as men do.
PLAYBOY
In your opinion, is a woman immoral who chooses to devote herself to
home and family instead of a career?
RAND
Not immoral—I would say she is impractical, because a home cannot be a
full-time occupation, except when her children are young. However, if she wants
a family and wants to make that her career, at least for a while, it would be
proper—if she approaches it as a career, that is, if she studies the subject,
if she defines the rules and principles by which she wants to bring up her
children, if she approaches her task in an intellectual manner. It is a very
responsible task and a very important one, but only when treated as a science,
not as a mere emotional indulgence.