Objectivism is a philosophy that is based on the fact of absolute reality, and each individual's efforts to survive successfully within that same reality. It tells us that the effort to survive successfully--i.e. the struggle to achieve happiness--is a noble pursuit. It also tells us that we are capable of such success; happiness is within each individual's grasp.
But to achieve success (in material endeavors or spiritual (i.e. psychological) ones) requires rationality--obediance to the facts of absolute reality. Our mind, our reason, must supply us with principles, grounded in factual reality but nonetheless abstract (i.e. bearing general truth). With these principles we go about living our lives.
Of course, discovering the right principles requires our choosing to use our mental powers, and continuing to make this choice for the rest of our lives. It is the individual's responsibility.
Given the nature of this responsibility, the fact that it applies only on an individual-by-individual basis, we can make conclusions regarding the proper ethical system. This is the foundation of the ethics of Objectivism. Since it is thinking--an individual endeavor--that enables each person's survival, each person must think for herself--for her own survival. Ayn Rand gives this ethical position the name "rational self-interest".
As a secondary value, we manage to help others survive as well. This is due to the fact that our survival is largely based on trade--trading our rational efforts and ideas with the efforts and ideas of others. Due to specialization of skills, trade is enormously beneficial to us.
"Trade" is used as a much wider concept by Objectivists compared with the average person's use of the word. We hold that people trade love, attention, and affection as well as trading goods and services. Contrary to widespread opinion, "unconditional love" is not something noble--rather, it is an absurdity. If it exists at all, it exists in a corrupted form that we would not care to call love.
Yes, true love is noble--but trade is noble as well. True love is trade.
The originator of Objectivism is Ayn Rand. The Objectivist philosophy is illustrated by Rand's epic novel Atlas Shrugged. In non-fiction form, her books The Virtue of Selfishness and Philosophy: Who Needs It are good introductions.
For an in-depth look, Leonard Peikoff (a student of the late Ayn Rand) has done an excellent job. His book Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand goes from the most fundamental aspects to the more applied areas.
Here are two Objectivist organizations that
will help you become better acquainted with the philosophy:
The Objectivist Center
The Ayn Rand Institute.
I must admit that there is some rivalry/animosity between these two organizations. For my opinion on their differences, click here.
Enlightenment is selfish.
Enlighten yourself.