An Introduction To The Objectivist Community

About the Book

Ayn Rand (1905-1982), who used the writings of Aristotle as a point of departure, founded Objectivism. She, in a number of brilliant books, speeches, and pamphlets, created a completely rational philosophy. She has, for the first time in history, brought us a rational understanding of the universe and ourselves. Only within the last fifty years have we found the connections between the universe, our nature, reason, self interest, ethics and morality, esthetics, politics and economics. Rand brought a clear understanding of the relationship of each to the other, and in a truly rational system such as this, there are no contradictions in any of it. The purpose of this book is to briefly define the Objectivist Philosophy for the informed but non-academic reader, and to outline the nature of a Community of the followers of Objectivism. The First Chapter presents the essential use of logic and reason, the nature and meaning of reality (Metaphysics) and the science of knowing (Epistemology). "The Human Creature" is the subject of Chapter Two. The body and mind of each of us, is incredibly complex, but there are complex differences between the varying individuals. This chapter presents a clarifying overview of the nature of the human beings. For the first time in human history, Ayn Rand developed a rational ethic or morality based on the nature of man and his needs. Chapter Three reviews the values and virtues required for a person to survive in peace and justice and to find happiness. Esthetics, Chapter Four, is the study of that which seems beautiful to us. The layman might think the subject unimportant, but every normal person reacts to a multitude of sights and sounds that make one "feel" good, great, or sometimes bad. What is the meaning of these "feelings" and where do they come from? Considering all of the preceding chapters, Chapter Five outlines the only rational economic and political system appropriate for an Objectivist individual. The world population believes so much that is not so and so little of that which is. Thus education is both the essence of becoming and of living an Objectivist life. Chapter Six discusses some history, statistics, and proposals regarding education. To provide for the needs of Objectivist individuals, we propose a new institution in Chapter 7. The Objectivist Community. That institution will be the local vehicle, the intimate association of people and the convenient physical plant where we Objectivists will learn and live the Objectivist way of life. It will be the place and offer the program to educate ourselves and our children. The Objectivist Community will offer a foundation from which we can launch an ever expanding effort to create a more rational, more ethical and more benign culture. Chapter Eight advocates that Objectivists proselytize. Chapter Nine offers some rituals and ceremonies (Weddings, Funerals, Christmas and Thanksgiving Celebrations) that Objectivists might use or adopt. This book is intended to be a first book on Objectivism a person might buy, be given, or give.

About the Author

Since 1944, the author's avocation has been the study of economic and political philosophy. Over these many years he has written on a wide range of subjects. His columns have been published in local and national periodicals, including, Reason, Discover, Skeptical Inquirer and several trade journals. He is author of Parties In Conflict, which statistically proves a profound difference between the Democratic and Republican Parties then defines that philosophical differences. He has studied the philosophy and followed the growth of the Objectivist Philosophy since 1984. He is a subscriber to both of the regularly published journals on Objectivist subjects and has studied most of the major books published by Ayn Rand and other Objectivist authors