To the extent that reality and reason are understood and accepted, every society is an example of Objectivism at work. High points such as classical Greece or the Renaissance are evidence of that, as are the low-water marks such as the European Dark Ages. Those peaks and valleys can be found in China's 3000-year history, also, and with the same causes and consequences. When philosophy in China was about life on Earth, life on Earth was good. When philosophers got lost in religion, things got worse.

Allow me to suggest that the sales of books by and about Ayn Rand, the production of the three movies, along with the continued success of The Fountainhead and the rediscovery of We the Living indicate the reasons why our society is as successful as it is. We might count 25 million people who self-identify as having been influenced by Ayn Rand and her philosophy.

It is especially significant to count those who read the books, were "influenced" but never self-identified as Objectivists.

A capitalist society is diverse and pluralistic. Even socialist communes and religious orders exist. But none of them controls all of the others. That, too, is an expression of Objectivism.

Objectivism is a philosophy for personal happiness. The broader sociology and economics are secondary to individualism. You do not need to convert anyone - certainly not "everyone" - in order to live your own life by your own standards.

Fifty years ago, President Kennedy challenged the world to contrast East Berlin with West Berlin. West Berlin was not "objectivist" in the formal sense, but was, indeed, a place where reality and reason were accepted implicitly with the consequence of political and economic freedom for all.

But it starts with the individual. And, again, about 25 million people have consciously chosen to adhere at least implicitly to the principles outlined by Ayn Rand when she formulated the philosophy of Objectivism.

That it can possibly exists? Yes, of course. There is nothing against reality itself in a philosophy based on rationality including in ethics and its specialization in politics.

Yes, if you can find two legitimate Objectivists, that do more than talk.