Born and raised in Russia, she experienced some terrible times under communism. This colored her outlook on economics and helped create a philosophy called Objectivism. Most of us who have read and sometimes re-read her books take them as good fiction, but some people take them literally, and this leads to bad outcomes - in my opinion. As far as I know, she never studied classical economics, not even the Austrian School, which would have given her some better ideas.
One American who is said to follow her teachings was Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. He served five terms as Chairman, and an analysis of his terms in office is beyond the scope of my ramblings.
I feel you care too much for other people to accept her philosophy, but she has some interesting views. As Sun Tzu stated in the "Art of War," know your enemy. For this reason, I read a fair amount of conservative opinions from writers who haven't fallen off the edge of rationality.
This does not include those who believe in the school of PB&T sandwiches - as long as they have a beer or bourbon chaser.
Guilty as charged, but in my defense, I would like to paraphrase Ayn Rand. The first word in 'I Love You' is 'I,' and you can't love someone if you don't know who the 'I' is. I have been studying myself for many years. I have many faults - none fatal as of yet. I also like myself, and I don't care a lot about other people's opinions about me or anything else, for that matter. I try to practice what I call 'enlightened self-interest.' By helping other people, I am helping myself, and I usually feel good about what I have done. As Rand said, There are no genuinely unselfish acts. If nothing else, we get a feeling of pleasure from doing something for another. I'm not a Rand devotee, but sometimes she had some excellent ideas. PB&T with a bourbon chaser for all of us who love ourselves.
Great piece. And I could relate to every stage of life, now that I am 70 years old.
Born and raised in Russia, she experienced some terrible times under communism. This colored her outlook on economics and helped create a philosophy called Objectivism. Most of us who have read and sometimes re-read her books take them as good fiction, but some people take them literally, and this leads to bad outcomes - in my opinion. As far as I know, she never studied classical economics, not even the Austrian School, which would have given her some better ideas.
One American who is said to follow her teachings was Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. He served five terms as Chairman, and an analysis of his terms in office is beyond the scope of my ramblings.
I feel you care too much for other people to accept her philosophy, but she has some interesting views. As Sun Tzu stated in the "Art of War," know your enemy. For this reason, I read a fair amount of conservative opinions from writers who haven't fallen off the edge of rationality.
This does not include those who believe in the school of PB&T sandwiches - as long as they have a beer or bourbon chaser.
Super good and on point
"Me" needed to read this today. Thank you. :)
Guilty as charged, but in my defense, I would like to paraphrase Ayn Rand. The first word in 'I Love You' is 'I,' and you can't love someone if you don't know who the 'I' is. I have been studying myself for many years. I have many faults - none fatal as of yet. I also like myself, and I don't care a lot about other people's opinions about me or anything else, for that matter. I try to practice what I call 'enlightened self-interest.' By helping other people, I am helping myself, and I usually feel good about what I have done. As Rand said, There are no genuinely unselfish acts. If nothing else, we get a feeling of pleasure from doing something for another. I'm not a Rand devotee, but sometimes she had some excellent ideas. PB&T with a bourbon chaser for all of us who love ourselves.
Fantastic article. Keep em coming!