Mark Skousen on Ayn Rand

[dianahsieh]

By Diana from NoodleFood,cross-posted by MetaBlog

I haven't even had time to read this Christian Science Monitor essay on the 50th anniversary of Atlas Shrugged by Christian economist Mark Skousen, but I thought I should link to it sooner rather than later, as I'd love to see some good letters to the editor written in reply!

http://ObjectivismOnline.com/blog/archives/002331.html

[BlackSabbath]

By Diana from NoodleFood,cross-posted by MetaBlog

I haven't even had time to read <A HREF="http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0306/p09s01-coop.html?page=1">this Christian Science Monitor</a> essay on the 50th anniversary of Atlas Shrugged by Christian economist Mark Skousen, but I thought I should link to it sooner rather than later, as I'd love to see some good letters to the editor written in reply!

Just as well you haven't read it, it's loathsome.

Here are some truly woeful quotes, with my comments in brackets:

"There is much to commend, and much to condemn, in "Atlas Shrugged." Its object – to restore man to his rightful place in a free society – is wholesome. But its ethical basis – an inversion of the Christian values that predicate authentic capitalism – poisons its teachings. "

"But there's a dark side to Rand's teachings. Her defense of greed and selfishness, her diatribes against religion and charitable sacrificing for others who are less fortunate, and her criticism of the Judeo- Christian virtues under the guise of rational Objectivism have tarnished her advocacy of unfettered capitalism. Still, Rand's extreme canard is a brilliant invention that serves as an essential counterpoint in the battle of ideas. "

". Rand's plot violates a key tenet of business existence, which is to constantly work within the system to find ways to make money. Real-world entrepreneurs are compromisers and dealmakers, not true believers. They wouldn't give a hoot for Galt. "

(Can I just add that this is downright idiocy. 'Real-world entrepeneurs' are indeed compromisers and deal-makers and they helped to prop of totalitarian and genocidal regimes throughout the world. quite a few German businessman thought Hitler would be good for them and we all know what happened after that.)

"Rand, of course, knows this. And that's OK, because "Atlas Shrugged" is about philosophy, not business. In her world, there are two kinds of people: those who serve and satisfy themselves only and those who believe that they should strive to serve and satisfy others. She calls the latter "altruists." "

(How about people who trade with their fellow man to each other's mutual benefit? Just ignore that why don't you?)

" Must we accept her materialist metaphysics in which, as Whittaker Chambers wrote in 1957, "Randian Man, like Marxian Man, is made the center of a godless world"? "

(Has this guy read the same book I have?)

"Perhaps a true capitalist spirit can best be summed up in the commandment, "Love thy neighbour as thyself" (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39)."

(?!?!?!?!?)

and he finishes with: "John Galt – it's time to come home and go to work."

Dear oh dear. Good luck writing letters about this.

[Uberzilla]

"But there's a dark side to Rand's teachings. Her defense of greed and selfishness, her diatribes against religion and charitable sacrificing for others who are less fortunate"

Rand was not against helping someone of value.

". Rand's plot violates a key tenet of business existence, which is to constantly work within the system to find ways to make money."

If the system is corrupt your need to fix it ... don't you?

"Real-world entrepreneurs are compromisers and dealmakers, not true believers. They wouldn't give a hoot for Galt. " ("an inversion of the Christian values that predicate authentic capitalism")

The above is true. However Skousen is saying that compromise is then a christian value. Ergo compromising ethics for gain is then an accepted christian value. That's why some christians were OK with slave ownership (way back) ... compromise.

"Perhaps a true capitalist spirit can best be summed up in the commandment, "Love thy neighbour as thyself" (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39)."

Except you can compromise the love part and in any unethical manner - stick it to them, if there is something to be had.

"John Galt – it's time to come home and go to work."

And give the value of his intellect to whatever system, or to those who would compromise him for short term gain? Oh well ... Guess that's why some things will never change. Too bad.

Mr. Skousen, you absolutely have a right to practice your religion. Just keep it where it belongs ... in your home or church.

disclaimer: I am a rogue intellect claiming no affiliation. Uzilla will now leave the building.

Edited March 8, 2007 by Uberzilla