Jim Henderson

This is an important observation. One aspect of education is the home environment. In my family both my sister and I were encouraged to read extensively on our own. Our parents were readers, we had books in the house and each of us had our personal books in addition to use of the public library. Our public school education was typical of the 1950s-60s which means that, for a small town in Wisconsin, it was much better than that offered today. I believe my experience is indicative of the sort of environment that led to "a life of learning" and one "capable of independent thought."

I'm gay as well.

I have read Atlas Shrugged three times, the most recent about a decade ago for a class at The University of Chicago discussing it and comparing it to the Grapes of Wrath. But my introduction to Ayn Rand was reading The Fountainhead when I was in high school. I've also read it a couple of times since then.

Here is an inspirational example from Chopin performed brilliantly by Daniel Trifonov:

Thanks Stephen for your comments and summary of the great work done by Merlin over the years.

Here is another to complement the Barber: Korngold Violin Concerto

une Petite adagio from "The Seasons" by Alexander Glazunov

Richter

Biden is the Commander in Chief and as such is responsible. He can make speeches trying to shift the blame, but he is still the one responsible, especially for his own lies.

Biden claims "we don't keep people there". He is right, we merely leave American citizens and other people who have helped us there to be killed by the Taliban terrorists. It is a disgrace.

You mention that "Philosophic traditions down from the Greeks have constructed arguments to conclude that just acts are good for the agent (the self)." A good example of this can be found in Cicero's book, On Friendship (Laelius de Amicitia). In it Cicero states that "the very essence of friendship" is "a common set of beliefs, aspirations, and opinions." (p 31). He further states that friendship is only possible between those who "act and live so that their lives give proof of faithfulness, integrity, fairness, and generosity; and who are free from any low passion, greed, or violence; and are of great strength of character," (p 37). Most important for true friendship, however, is virtue and "virtue, too, loves itself," (p 165); in conclusion he states, "I say it is virtue that creates and preserves friendships. Virtue is the source of compatibility, stability, and permanence." (p 169) Cicero's stance would seem to be one that in most respects is consistent with Rand's view as it prominently does not depend on "service above self", but is consistent with integrity and treating others with respect while acting virtuously. Quotes are all from How to be a Friend: An Ancient Guide to True Friendship by Marcus Tullius Cicero, trans. by Philip Freeman. Princeton University Press, 2018.

Stephen, thanks for the book recommendation. Wilentz has written some thoughtful historical tomes.

Beautiful! Consider the Helios Overture of Carl Nielsen.