It's only been in the last few years that I've discovered Ayn Rand. having lost all faith the in the Catholic Church, not necessarily my spirituality (I've got lots of it from combined philosophies and religions), I also must say the only problem I have with Objectivism, and I've been working hard to find a solution, is that God has no place inside of it. Spirituality, however, in a form, is a great part of Objectivism. Spirituality can come from many alternate sources outside of religion. It is the presence of a higher power that cannot exist within the parametres of Objectivism
I must also add that Raynd's views are completely dependant upon each man in a given society be subject to reason. This, however, does not exist anywhere in our current world. Raynd's view of selfishness does not imply that one must 'stab someone in the back' to achieve this but that by personal achievement through our abilities we discover our values and happiness. Such happiness cannot exist so long as there is 1 person who believes that they entitled to something with working for; entitled to it by need.
Greed is not good or evil. It is the context of the word which gives it such qualities, like anything else. The problem lies in the fact that some men ARE more able than others. This should not be looked upon as a vice, but a virtue. The fact that one may be more able than an other should not be grounds for anger and jealousy; it is only factual.
In a society such as Raynd describes, yes, men work by their own means, for their own ends. But achievement of these things provides the opportunity for others to achieve as well. This, I guess, in my eyes provides happiness for others while we are striving to be our best. It isn't a matter of rich vs poor, in fact it ins't a matter of anything vs anything. Wealth, once again in Raynd's society, would simply respect outstanding ability which unfortunately is not celebrated, but condemned.
I guess people just aren't ready to accept such doctrines as one man being more able than another (not to say that means that they are better or superior). Also, please note, when i say man or men I refer to the Humankind and not the one sex in case anyone might be confused.