wow, this is impressive

It was tempting to give it that fifth star, but I resisted. I only held back, I think, because I would contend that were Rand actually setting out to convince us of the imperative of having a philosophy, the work ought to have been somewhat more timeless. Enjoyable as most of the essays were, they were set in their own time and place - the first one to the class at West Point, others that spoke unflatteringly of Nixon, and so on. Her cautions against the inexorable American slide into socialism sound almost prophetic, but that's almost too easy. The essays do reflect a clear understanding of culture and political causes, and how we should be aware of the underlying world views that support them - even if we don't agree with them. Perhaps it's high time I actually look at some of her other works than "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" - it's been a while.

Abstract principles are a part of our life whether we acknowledge it or not. That is the message of Ayn Rand's book, "Philosophy: Who Needs It." In a vigorous and thoughtful list of essays, Ayn Rand talks about how we must return to the original abstract principles that animate our thinking. This book is particularly significant today since capitalism is being challenged on a moral basis, especially from the radical environmental movement. This movement is trying to use emotionalism as a method of furthering their socialistic/communist principles. As Ayn Rand mentions, the socialists/communists could not win on a majority vote by providing the public with a clear statement of what their goals are. However, the socialists/communists--which are dressed up in the Green movement--instead confuse the public through evasions, contradictory statements, censorship, brainwashing them through the government-run school system, in order to get the public to subscribe to these views.

What I liked most in particular is Ayn Rand's statement that one has a right to live for one's own sake--and no one else. Rand's view is that capitalism and individualism must be argued on a moral basis, not on an economic one. The economic argument is that capitalism promotes economic growth, and thus, for this reason alone, it must be tolerated. Instead, Ayn Rand's view is that, regardless of the economics, one has a right to live for their own sake, and for the sake of others. A person cannot be compelled to be a slave nor enslave others. (The current welfare system, for instance, requires that one take on unearned obligations to others, and thus, one is living one's life for that of another.) Further, Ayn Rand also discusses how our current mixed economy system (read: Social Security, government-run schools, Medicaid) will eventually result in a dictatorship because in order to keep this sytem going, it requires subjecting the individual to the state. When the individual fails to comply, as is most certainly likely to happen as time goes on, the only way the state will be able to enforce the rule of altruism is at the point of a gun.

IN PRACTICE, Ayn Rand's views have been endorsed by reality. The freest states in America--the ones that believe in individualism, and limited government--have had the highest degree of population growth, economic growth (thus, more productivity from the most productive), and, I dare say, happiness (since they are able to pursue their happiness to the maximum extent, without government-control).

This book was a little weaker the second time around. Rand manages to stay as vitrolic as ever; and her approach to philosophy makes you wonder if she wasn't perhaps a gladiator in a prior life. Her letter to Boris Spatsky is particularly powerful because it shows the arbitrary nature of statism, as well as the dangers inherent in all forms of collectivism. On the downside, her final essay is a little too nationalistic for me; but perhaps it was a different time in America.

You can never go wrong, reading Rand. If this book is accessible to you; grab it.

Ayn Rand presents her philosophical views via this collection of essays, including letters and lectures / presentations, in an exploration of varying topics...

These statements in chapter 17 were of particular interest:
"Do not keep silent when your own ideas and values are being attacked.
Do not proselytize indiscriminately, do not force discussions and arguments on those who are not interested or on those who are not willing to argue it is not your job to save everyone's soul. If you do the things that are in your power you will not feel guilty about not doing somehow, the things that are not. Above all do not join the wrong ideological groups or movements in order too do something..."
View some related articles here: https://formuchdeliberation.wordpress...

Отличный сборник статей от Айн Рэнд. Хотя эта книга является отличным справочником по пониманию философии Айн Рэнд - объективизма, ее истинная ценность состоит в том, чтобы объяснить жизненно важную потребность философии в жизни каждого, необходимость основанной на реальности философии, познаваемой разумом, и что независимо от того, есть ли у человека сознательная философия, каждый руководствуется какой-либо философией. И поскольку книга представляет собой сборник эссе, ее легко читать и размышлять по одной главе.
P.S. В дополнение деле стоит прочитать хотя бы "Атлас расправил плечи", прежде чем читать эту книгу, потому что Айн Рэнд сделала много ссылок, чтобы донести свою точку зрения. Да и в целом "Атлант" - отличная книга.

not as good as "the Virtue of Selfishness"

Filosofía de extrema derecha, escrita en el medio de la guerra fría. Muy interesante para incorporar otros puntos de vista, o al menos para "conocer al enemigo", si quieren ser tribalistas.

"The sense-of-life emotion which, in Europe, makes people uncertain, malleable and easy to rule, is unknown in America: fundamental guilt. No one, so far, has been able to infect America with that contemptible feeling (and I doubt that anyone ever will). Americans cannot begin to grasp the kind of corruption implied and demanded by that feeling."
So many times, while reading this book, I got the impression that Ayn Rand was talking about events taking place in America right now.
It's like, every decade that passes some people are coming up with a new plan in order to instill guilt in the American people.
Extremely eye opening, short and very easy to read.

"Can't Say Enough! IF You Want To "Understand The World", THEN This Is An Unprecedented Opportunity"!"

Philosophy: Who Needs It is a collection of essays by Ayn Rand. In them, she summarizes her philosophical views and argues for rationality and unbiased observation, and brings up her objectivism philosophy. She sees philosophical principles important part of our lives, arguments, and communication. She argues that we should understand philosophy better to understand better how we all use it in our lives even in things like proverbs.

I agree with Ayn Rand on the importance of philosophy, using rationality, and using an objective view of the world. But I found her argumentation weak and biased in over one occasion in the collection. She disappointed me how she let her hatred guide her and judge others. However, I think we humans are prone to errors and are inseparable from our experiences that it is understandable where her hatred and scorn stems from for example Europe.

I'm not sure what I think about the book or what I should say to you. Yes, follow Ayn Rand and read philosophy even those she despised like Rawls, Aristoteles, and Kant and form your own mind. This collection is worthy of your time, but it helps to have read her previous works and know something about her before you start. I think it is a good thing to give yourself a reality check and read something you don't agree with or you have certain expectations. Ayn Rand is often misunderstood, but she never helped the case. There is something in her which makes it easy to surpass, ignore, and hate her which is a sad thing as she should have as a rightful change to state her views as of any other philosopher.

One of the last book Ayn Rand that you must read, especially you are big fan of Objectivism philosophy.