We're not more selfish. We're more solipsistic because we're more vulnerable. It's not fair to us, to phrase it like a design flaw.
Discussion
Selfishness without any context is not a negative thing. In fact, selfishness can be very virtuous. There’s an entire book about it that I know a lot of people around here like 🤣 
Interesting…
My other half is a staunch socialist, we get married in two weeks time. Are you suggesting her outlook will change from that point?
I’ve always veered more toward anarchic behaviour myself although we initially met on a political campaign in 2017.
Marriage tends to change people. My husband and I started out polar opposites, and then we realized that we hate the same people. 😂
The irony being that Rand, in later life was taken car off by the state... lol
I'm aware of her work but that point always stuck with me. Not as a justification for the state but that people can become unwell or just age and often end up needing care. A life of selfishness ended with her in that position which to my mind, discredits her somewhat.
I'm vary aware that my world view at 20 is very different to what it is now and I expect the same to be true if I reach 80. Whilst clearly very smart, I think Rand lacked humility and it kicked her in the arse eventually.