Community Conversations: Professor explains Ayn Rand’s cult of … – Chippewa Herald

On July 8, Dr. Tim Shiell, director of the civil liberties focused UW-Stout Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation, presented a discussion of Ayn Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism.

Rand grew up in a Jewish family in St. Petersburg in the early 20th century where her father was a pharmacist. Outgoing, confident and adversarial, she was disappointed with the results of the communist takeover of Russia and with her education.

Granted a visa to the United States in 1925, Rand arrived in 1926, moved to Hollywood, became a writer and playwright, and later moved to New York City. Her mentor was Isabel Paterson, a journalist and political philosopher, who espoused beliefs in individualism and was opposed to Franklin Roosevelts New Deal.

Rand wrote the books of fiction Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957). Encouraged to do more scholarly works by her friend Nathaniel Branden in 1958, she developed the philosophy of Objectivism. Although she only acknowledged the influence of Aristotle on her philosophy, Objectivism also contains elements of Friedrich Nietzsche, 19th century German philosopher.

In her philosophy of Objectivism, Rand feels that to pursue your own happiness is your highest moral aim. You should figure out what you want to do in your life and do everything to get it.

According to Rand, there are only two sides to every issue. One side is the right side and the other is wrong. Those who have opinions between the two sides or who compromise are evil. She believes in both economic and civil liberty, but considers economic liberty to be the most important.

Rand is in favor of a laissez-faire economy and small government. She does not believe in religion, the soul or divine beings. According to her Objectivist theory, all knowledge is obtained though our senses. Mans productive achievement is his noblest activity. The reason of mankind is the only absolute. Altruism is evil. In her Rational Egotism the I is her God.

Dr. Shiell pointed out a number of individuals that have accepted parts of Ayn Rands philosophy. They include presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Representative Paul Ryan, Senator Ron Johnson, Drs. Ron and Rand Paul, and former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan. The list also includes Peter Theil who founded Pay Pal; Mark Cuban, owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks; actress Angelina Jolie; rock band drummer Neil Peart, who uses her philosophy in the lyrics to his music; Gene Roddenberry, creator of the original Star Trek TV series; and Hugh Hefner, publisher and playboy.

Ayn Rand is credited as one of the three women who began the Libertarian movement in the United States. Libertarianism is the Objectivist position in politics. Government should only be able to protect people from violence, theft, fraud and other things that go against the peoples rights. People should have the right to liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness. Regulations allow big business to create monopolies. Being in a majority does not make things right. Taxation is theft. Charity should be private charity.

Critics of Ayn Rand feel that self interest has rational limits. Others believe in equal opportunity that comes from governmental regulation and redistribution. Also, no one acquires their wealth by 100 percent of their own efforts so their wealth does not 100 percent belong to them. With Ayn Rands advocaty against social programs, she has been criticized for accepting Medicare and Social Security with her diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer in 1974.

Dr. Shiell explained that Ayn Rands philosophy has created a cult of her personality. Our young adults have been more likely to follow her as they have the desire to get ahead in life. On the positive side, for those who are trained to be giving, they need also to learn to take care of themselves.

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Community Conversations: Professor explains Ayn Rand's cult of ... - Chippewa Herald