How can one practice the Objectivist virtues (especially independence, integrity, and honesty) in an irrational society where their actions may not be illegal (as in a dictatorship), but the social atmosphere still makes them dangerous to their life? For instance, someone may be fired and become unemployable if they say something society disapproves of, even if it’s rational and just.
I realize that, ideally, one should try to find other people who share their rational values and limit their contact with irrational people. But in professional settings, many can’t afford to be picky about who they work with or for—they’re just worried about having a job at all. In such a case, is it wiser to act to protect your life (by protecting the means of keeping alive) even if that may involve lying about your convictions and acting against them if put on the spot—or, if the price for keeping alive is betraying yourself (and reality), life is simply not worth it?
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