So I got into a recent argument over Ayn Rand. I was arguing that Rand is nothing more than an overrated pseudo-philospher/cult leader. This got me wondering whats some of the opinions of Rand from people on this sight.
I wouldn't say shes overrated, the average person I know wouldn't know who she is. I think objectivism is a good philosophy, but I don't quite understand it as a political ideology.
Ayn Rand just encourages people to be greedy and put all their efforts to making themselves happy even if it hurts others. She has a large following in right wing parties due to her championing individuality and lazze faire economies. I don't care for how she encourages selfishness and free markets as it greatly favors the rich.
I fail to see how this is a problem. It takes effort to make something of yourself. The right hates her, mostly for her atheism. Come to think of it, I can't think of a single objectivist party in any country. Randians actually hold more interest for the masses than other Anacho-capitalists (strange I know). For instance they still advocate a monopoly on protection as Rand believes that competing protection agencies will do battle with one another, they are very concerned about people dying without heirs, and think that justice will go to the highest bidder in an anarchist society.
Don't know about her to make an opinion, though right now I have to get back on my study of David Hume so woot.
I had to read one of her books "Anthem" for school and I can safely say that the book has enough propaganda in it to make someone throw up. The book would have been average if not for the insane misinterpretation(spelling) of a communist state and how it operates, then theres the laughable scenes of the protaginist expressing his individuality and showing how awesome capitalism is. Ahhhh good times, good times.
At best objectivism is a good source of criticism, and at worst it's an incredibly poor pseudo-philosophical justification for just acting like a dickhead. That's my take on it anyway. It's not very popular in communist Europe so I don't pay it much attention.
