RailSignals

So many ideas over time take on enthusiastic heralds.

Proponents trumpet "this is the way, follow me and you will

find truth". Entire theologies, call them precepts, are developed,

signaling the way to some nirvana, ultimate peace, or 47 virgins.

The more sturdy movements have developed logical, even elegant

roadmaps to a way of thinking or acting along their prescribed

pathway. My goal here is to discuss one popular idea, that

concept labeled 'Objectivism' brought to the mainstream by

Ayn Rand in 20^th century. I do not propose to criticize, debunk

or proselytize, but instead, speak to its strengths and explore

possible limits. Here you will learn some of the what, why,

and how of Rand's philosophy. I cannot presume to cover but

a fraction of the subject here, I instead will attempt to lead the

reader into his own exploration.

Ayn Rand (Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum) at 21, came to the

US in 1926. The Soviets confiscated her father's successful

pharmacy in Saint Petersburg so she was educated in Crimea

after and then Petrograd University where she graduated in

1924. Her studies in social pedagogy exposed her to the

Greek writers Aristotle and Plato, which became major

players in the formation of her thinking.

Ayn wrote two major novels. The Fountainhead in 1943

made Howard Roark a household name, selling 6.5 million

copies by 2008. Her primary Objectivist work, Atlas Shrugged

was published in 1957. The hero's name can be seen on bumper

stickers even today. "Who is John Galt ?"

She writes "My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a

heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life,

with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his

only absolute." She wrote in 1962, the individual "must exist for his own

sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself."

This seems to be moderated slightly (LOL) from her writing in

We the Living, where she said "What are your masses but mud to be ground

underfoot, fuel to be burned for those who deserve it?

Would a dictionary type definition of the subject help here, I think so:

"Objectivism" derives from the principle that human knowledge and values

are not created by the thoughts one has, but are determined by the nature of

reality, to be discovered by man's mind"

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/business/15atlas.html

Just look at Modern Library's 100 best novels list from today.

http://www.randomhouse.com/modernlibrary/100bestnovels.html

where 4 of the top 10 are Rand's works. When a 1991 survey by the Library

of Congress and the Book-of-the-Month Club asked what

the most influential book in the respondent's life was, Rand's Atlas Shrugged

was the second most popular choice, after the Bible.

Now, after all this, which seems to sound like a giant unintended

sales pitch, my personal feelings. Just a few thoughts.

1. Yes, Rand's works have been formative in my life where I would also rate them on my top 10 must read list, behind the scriptures and Bill Bryson. A guy has got to laugh.

    

2. Yes, Aristotle developed ideas of reason, choice, and individuality, which are the basis of a man. Suffice this, you can read more. Do you do Greek?

    

3. Plato's idea that reality is unknowable is antithetical to reason. His view of stateism and tyranny are classical collectivism. It is the height of defeatism to believe man is powerless. A hopeless condition leading nowhere. Everyone can do something. Everyone can have purpose. I can't believe I'm criticizing Plato. It becomes clear why Rand contrasted these two teachers.

    

4. Ayn's experience from her Soviet youth informs us greatly to the bitterness and injustice of that system. Her writing in Anthem shows a world without individuals. Without achievement.

1. Rand's belief "Man must exist for his own sake" is not incorrect in itself. I am reminded of a phrase "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" In the end, without identity, man can't exist. Selflessness is powerless without self, we only have lessness left, what is that.

    

2. "happiness as the moral purpose of his life" is a truly relative phrase. To achieve "happiness" as purpose might require some clarification or at least personal definitions. You know what, it is not any ones business what might make me happy, satisfied, or fulfilled. Me getting my YaYa's is what makes me me. I am afraid that the purpose of my life may be beyond the scope of this blog. I am not unwilling to discuss this if you can provide a useful definition of "purpose". I dare you to try.

    

3. "reason as his only absolute." This is tough, I know some things for sure, I also fully understand I am biased, and many ways blinded by prejudging. Reasonableness is not absolute, a fine goal for sure, but absolutism in a physical world is non sequitur.

I might conclude that "Objectivism" as proclaimed by the Randites

is not the be all guiding light of life. Also, to look here for salvation

from whatever comes up short for those absolute values needed when reason fails. But also, I am happy to have Rand's work to help motivate

me to be all I can be. To treat myself and my ideas with respect.