# Rational Egoism in What Is to Be Done?

> Theme guide for What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky.

Characters act according to enlightened self-interest, believing that truly understanding one's own needs leads to moral and beneficial actions for all, as seen in Lopukhov's calculated marriage and the cooperative workshop.

## Where it surfaces

- [What Is to Be Done?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/what-is-to-be-done): The philosophical underpinning of the characters' decisions to act according to enlightened self-interest.
- [A Vital Question](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/a-vital-question): The chapter delves into the concept of rational egoism, where characters debate whether self-interest can align with moral and social progress.
- [Part II: First Love, and Legal Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-ii-first-love-and-legal-marriage): Lopukhóf's arguments that acting in one's own rational self-interest can lead to ethical outcomes, as seen in his proposal to Vera.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii): Lopukhóf's calculated renunciation of romantic follies and his focus on self-improvement and science reflect the principle of rational egoism.
- [VIII: The Temptation of Hamlet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii-the-temptation-of-hamlet): Central to the chapter: Lopukhóf argues that all human actions are driven by self-interest, and Viéra tests this theory in her personal dilemma.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ix): Central to the chapter: Lopukhóf's concept of 'self-interest' is contrasted with Marya Alekséyevna's vulgar greed, and the narrator defends it against accusations of materialism and immorality.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvii): Lopukhóf's calculated use of alcohol to achieve his goal exemplifies rational self-interest, a key theme in the novel.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix): Lopukhóf's internal monologue repeatedly asserts that he acts only for his own best good, rejecting the idea of sacrifice as a false term.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvii): Kirsánof explicitly frames his decision in terms of rational self-interest, weighing the costs and benefits of staying versus leaving.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xviii): Kirsánof's actions are explicitly framed as selfish pleasure derived from the skill of his maneuver, aligning with the theory that all actions are motivated by self-interest.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi): Lopukhóf applies rational self-interest and materialist analysis to understand his wife's feelings and Kirsánov's actions, prioritizing Vera's happiness over his own emotional attachment.
- [A Theoretical Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxii-a-theoretical-conversation): Both characters analyze their own motives through the lens of rational egoism, noting how self-interest shapes their arguments and actions.
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxv): Lopukhov argues that Vera's suffering is pointless and that true happiness comes from following one's genuine feelings, a core tenet of rational egoism.
- [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxvi): Lopukhóf's calm, reasoned response to Vera's letter and his focus on practical affairs exemplify the rational egoist approach to emotional crises.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii): Vera discusses Lopukhov's and Kirsanov's tendency to explain their actions through egotistical calculation, a central theme in the chapter.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvii): Katerina and Beaumont act according to their own convenience and mutual respect, free from the 'devils' of passion or social pressure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/themes/rational_egoism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/themes