[tgv]

That's not in contradiction of coldness or inhumanity. You can be an utter sociopath, and reason accordingly. The view of Rand comes from the certainly implied lack of empathy with the lesser fortunate. There's a quote where she expresses appreciation of a serial killer, because of this.

[horns4lyfe]

I think the point is that when trying not to help the less fortunate, if we resort only to emotion without reason, we just ending up hurting them. Which can certainly be seen in plenty of situations today, IMO.

[me_me_me]

> if we resort only to emotion without reason

If you walk down a street and see a musician play with donation box, if you were using only emotions without reason you'd give away your wallet and all rings and keys to the car.

Its a nonsensical statement, nobody is driven only via emotions. But some are driven completely without emotions.

[tgv]

First, as an absolute statement, that's untrue, and who is going to help others without a bit of thinking? So not helping is almost certainly worse.