Hello all… I came across the term “Objectivist” quite recently in a blog, and felt compelled to explore. The more I learn about it, the more I am compelled to know more. I recently purchased the book Atlas Shrugged, after many friends in the course of my lifetime have recommended it. When I made the connection between that book and Objectivism, I moved it from third down to top of the reading list. I’m moving right now but am looking forward to reading the book when the dust settles.
I know very little at this point, but I am quite fascinated and eagar to learn more. I’ve been reading as much as I can online to get the general concepts down. The only thing that I have read so far that I have questions about is the role of feeling, or intuitive knowing in Objectivism. Is this completely dismissed?
About me, I am 29 and I am a researcher and webmaster of an educational research facility.
I’m learning a lot here and very much enjoying the process. I look forward to participating in the discussions more when I understand a little better.
The only thing that I have read so far that I have questions about is the role of feeling, or intuitive knowing in Objectivism. Is this completely dismissed?
While Objectivists stress rationality as THE primary virtue, they regard emotions as an important psychological capacity and our primary means of enjoying life.
Objectivists understand the relationship between reason and emotion and how they can be brought into harmony. (Ayn Rand’s view of emotions is similar to that of Aaron Beck, founder of Cognitive Psychology.)
As you read more of Ayn Rand and get to know knowledgeable Objectivists you’ll meet sensible, rational people who are also sensitive, creative, and enthusiastic about life.
Welcome to the board, Sabine! Let us know what you thought of Atlas Shrugged when you’ve finished it. In the meantime, feel free to post any further questions you have in the “Basic Questions” forum.
If you wanted to learn more about Objectivism, then you have come to the right place to ask questions.
Being Indian, I was pretty intrigued to see the “Om” pictures on your homepage. Are/Were you into hindu philosophy or is that just a case of liking how it looks?
Being Indian, I was pretty intrigued to see the “Om” pictures on your homepage. Are/Were you into hindu philosophy or is that just a case of liking how it looks?
If you’re gonna raise such questions, I feel licensed to up the ante :lol: . Do you know anything about the Carvaka philosophers? I got the impression that they had at least some fundamentals in common with Objectivism.
Regarding Hinduism, I am interested in some of it’s flavor. I do practice and study Yoga and the philosophies behind it (I’m learning about the Eight Fold Path). I use the om as a logo because I feel that it perfectly reflects my mission in life to become the purist form of me, if that makes any sense. I’m also interested in Ayurvedu, which I believe is Hindu in origin. I’ve been reading about it, although some of it seems pretty strange, for lack of a more eloquent description. It’s one of those subjects where you find a great deal of advice and an equal lack of reason to support it.
I enjoy learning about Eastern Philosophies, and am especially interested in finding connections between Philosophy and Physics. I actually set down my copy of the Tao of Physics to read Atlas Shrugged. I’m moving this weekend and my reward for finishing by Sunday will be starting the book. I’m already hooked on Objectivism based on all I have read online, but I am excited about reading the book.
Hey Don - I owe you a big thanks. Your blog first sparked my curiosity and led me here.
I’m glad to be here, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and questions with you as I learn. Thanks again for the welcome wagon.
I’m also interested in Ayurvedu, which I believe is Hindu in origin. I’ve been reading about it, although some of it seems pretty strange, for lack of a more eloquent description. It’s one of those subjects where you find a great deal of advice and an equal lack of reason to support it.