Not having read this post, I just posted a similar one a few minutes ago. It even refers to the same Johnny Carson interview. I'm going to deleted it, and post it here as a comment:
The following is a Facebook post inspired by a discussion I had regarding the proper functions of a government. I eventually gave up trying to get this person to investigate Ayn Rand's philosophy before criticizing it. A few days later, she posted this:
"Here is proof on my theory that this woman is a sociopath. She actually states that altruism is evil, that individuals should only act on self centered agendas, and use other people to attain power in the world."
I just viewed the first half of Johnny Carson's interview, and was impressed by Ayn's clear exposition of Objectivism. How could anyone think she is a sociopath? How could anyone view this video, and not come away with the desire to find out more about Objectivism?
So I give up. I am absolutely swearing off discussing Objectivism with altruistic leftists. It is just too discouraging. Some of them will never ever change - even in the face of reason! Our only hope is to convert those who either have no philosopy at all ( students ), or who already have a habit of thinking logically.
Jeez, if anyone ever doubts why this site is so important, we should just direct them to some of the most hateful, nonsense filled, and almost craziest ranting I think I've experienced in a long time. Txs for posting. +1
Done: "She is often co-opted by rightwing ideologues, but her ideas are NOT rubbish. Please take the time to read them, if for no other reason to but to know what "jibberish" rightwingers are reading. You may be surprised to find they're about letting people live their own life and explore art and science, following reason over superstition. Put that way, it kind-of sounds leftwing, but it's not about politics. It's about valuing the individual. "
The author says he/she wants it to go viral, and I do too b/c that means more exposure for Ayn Rand.
One of the commenters says "how polar opposite she is from what we almost universally hold up as moral values" Greenspan makes the point that the prescription for economic growth _sounds_ on the surface contrary to people's basic values in Age of Turbulence. He mentions briefly being friends with Ayn Rand. So his misunderstanding is no surprise. If they watch the video it may plant a seed.
The following is a Facebook post inspired by a discussion I had regarding the proper functions of a government. I eventually gave up trying to get this person to investigate Ayn Rand's philosophy before criticizing it. A few days later, she posted this:
"Here is proof on my theory that this woman is a sociopath. She actually states that altruism is evil, that individuals should only act on self centered agendas, and use other people to attain power in the world."
She linked to this article: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/08/14......, which has a real bias, calling Ayn Rand an "evil woman", and urging people to watch the videos.
I just viewed the first half of Johnny Carson's interview, and was impressed by Ayn's clear exposition of Objectivism. How could anyone think she is a sociopath? How could anyone view this video, and not come away with the desire to find out more about Objectivism?
So I give up. I am absolutely swearing off discussing Objectivism with altruistic leftists. It is just too discouraging. Some of them will never ever change - even in the face of reason! Our only hope is to convert those who either have no philosopy at all ( students ), or who already have a habit of thinking logically.
They are very dangerous people.
"following reason over superstition."
since when have left wing-ers been known for reason over superstition.? Gaia's hairy balls!
One of the commenters says "how polar opposite she is from what we almost universally hold up as moral values"
Greenspan makes the point that the prescription for economic growth _sounds_ on the surface contrary to people's basic values in Age of Turbulence. He mentions briefly being friends with Ayn Rand. So his misunderstanding is no surprise. If they watch the video it may plant a seed.