In a capitalist society, an individual can be altruistic if he so desires. If he wants to give his property to the poor and the needy, morally nobody has a right to stop him. His rights protect his freedom to act as he deems best for his life. But he cannot impose his choices on others. In a capitalist society, the altruist cannot force others to sacrifice their property. He cannot force others to act contrary to their own judgment. And the same is true of the egoist. In a capitalist society, neither the altruist nor the egoist can use force. Neither can impose his values or his morality on others. Each is free to act on his own choices, so long as he respects the mutual rights of others.
In a society dominated by altruism, an individual is forced to provide for the poor and the needy. In a society dominated by altruism, an individual is often prohibited from acting in his own self-interest. His property can be seized and his rights can be violated whenever it is deemed to be in the “public interest.” No matter his judgment or his values, an individual is compelled to live by the creed of altruism.
Altruism demands obedience at the point of a gun. Egoism recognizes the moral right of each individual to live by his own judgment.