Observations about Objectivism:
When I first heard about Objectivism, I liked it. Objectivism is the
philosophy of Ayn Rand (this had the side effect of making me think that -
finally! - there are some intelligent women! <g> Too bad it disappointed
me in the end...) - you can find lots of
information about it on the net. Politically, it is a subset of libertarianism.
Unfortunately, the extreme absurdity of some of their views (like atheism)
made me dislike it. Furthermore, the cult mentality of (most of) its members
hasn't helped a bit.
This is an example (copied from the ayn_rand list
at www.onelist.com):
From: Jessica DeButts <jdebutts@uclink4.berkeley.edu>
I was on onelist and looking for other Rand/Objectivism lists to join, and I
joined the "Objectivism" list, which requires list owner
approval. I got an email from the list owner and in it there was the following
paragraph:
>2. One does not have to agree with Ayn Rand on everything (or even
>whole parts of her philosophy) in order to join the 'Objectivism'
>list. But, NO ONE is allowed to be on this list that supports or
>sanctions any of Ayn Rand's and Objectivism's enemies! This means
>that no one is allowed on the 'Objectivism' list that supports or
>sanctions: those who in print have attacked Ayn Rand and her
>philosophy; "moral tolerationists"; "moral agnostics";
libertarians;
>anarchists; etc. (If you are uncertain of whether or not you support
>or sanction someone that makes you disqualified from joining this
>list, then write an e-mail and explain the situation to:
>*****@post.com)
Does this seem odd to anyone else? I knew there was a cultlike mentality
amongst many objectivists, but I didn't know it was this bad. It really
makes me wonder why they exclude people; what they are afraid of. I
mean, if Rand/Objectivism is as sound as all the devotees preach, then
why not open the lists to discussion? I'm trying to learn here, and
policies such as these are in no way conducive to either learning or
making Objectivism a main stream philosophy. I'm beginning to understand
where Mr. Jones is coming from. I guess that in itself is reason for my
disqualification. :)
Jessica
[Dick Jones is the moderator of the list, a vocal anti-Objectivist.]
This page was last updated on 13 Oct 1999.
