Ayn Rand - Opinions?

by cappytan 80 Replies latest jw friends

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  TerryWalstrom

  That quotation is by a fellow named John Rogers. One of his claims to fame involved writing the script to the movie CATWOMAN. He's obviously marvellously well-qualified to criticize :)

  Surely, Terry, you aren't going down the road of criticizing who said it rather than the substance of the argument itself, are you?

  ____________________

  No need to lose your sense of humor, Viviane:)

  It is simply an observation on the pot calling the kettle 'black.'

  ______________________

  Opinions about authors, philosophies, and such can be interesting if they are backed up with particulars because actual conversations can arise on merits. But, snipes and catcalls from the bleachers are merely interruptions and often lead to bad manners.

  So far, I've shared not only my personal evaluation, but I posted specific quotations and an interview with the subject of this Topic. I also posted material and particulars about the other philosopher, Mortimer J. Adler. This is was intended to generate civil discourse and to probe ideas, concepts and alternatives.

  Now, in response what do we see? Is there discussion? Or, is there peremptory dismissal?

  Yo momma is so ugly she . . .

  You see, I think it is good to express yourself with alternatives and suggested options for others to consider. If you consider path A to be worthless, then suggested path B and tell why it is better. That sort of thing builds up a community of discourse. But frankly, there is no reason for us to all board an elevator and pass gas just because we can. Then, it becomes a question of whose gas smells the worst:)

  ___________________________

  About 5 years ago I started a topic on Ayn Rand. Give it a glance and you'll see things haven't changed much.

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/192080/what-if-anything-can-we-learn-from-ayn-rands-philosophy
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  Finkelstein

  Does anyone else think her unique ideologies were originally derived from the overly regulated communism which she experienced when she was living in Russia. ?
  
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  FayeDunaway

  I feel that she was a person of her times. It's easy to judge her now that we've gone down the path of history a bit and see more of what has happened in the world since communism's heyday when issues seemed to be more black and white... communism vs. capitalism, and seen that the more successful societies are more socialist than capitalist. (Not that everyone here would agree with that, but check out statistics of happiness, sense of security and prosperity in socialist countries. Not that there's not problems there too, and socialist ideologies don't necessarily attract independent types like many of us.) A balance is needed, and I think many countries are working on getting that balance right and I feel progress is being made in many countries, while others are backsliding or being driven by religious extremists like ISIS.

  but even considering her a person of her times and circumstance which drew her to her conclusions, she still had an abnormal lack of empathy for people in different circumstances than her own. I hope that after she did accept Medicare from the government her eyes were finally opened that a government program to help people needing it is a good thing!
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  TerryWalstrom

  Does anyone else think her unique ideologies were originally derived from the overly regulated communism which she experienced when she was living in Russia. ?

  Living through the Russian Soviet Socialist reality post-revolutionary period certainly opened Rand's eyes to the contrast between speeches, slogans, and idealism vs. the brutality of a dictator state in pursuit of total control and nullification of the individual. She was in the crucible of testing Communist philosophy, you might say. Her philosophy was a direct reaction to it.
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  TerryWalstrom

  <I feel that she was a person of her times. It's easy to judge her now that we've gone down the path of history a bit and see more of what has happened in the world since communism's heyday when issues seemed to be more black and white... communism vs. capitalism, and seen that the more successful societies are more socialist than capitalist. (Not that everyone here would agree with that, but check out statistics of happiness, sense of security and prosperity in socialist countries.>

  ______________________

  If you asked JW's the same question about happiness under the banner of Watchtower society wouldn't you get the same glowing stories of 'happiness' and sense of security? I think you would.

  As far as Capitalism vs Socialism?

  You have to distinguish between Rand's precise definition of Capitalism and the textbook definition of state-controlled economy to have an honest discussion. Rand's Capitalism was NOT the mixed economy structure at all.

  Rand was trying to champion the ownership of intellectual and tangible property by the INDIVIDUAL as opposed to STATE-CONTROLLED ownership.
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  Viviane

  It is simply an observation on the pot calling the kettle 'black.'

  In what way? The topic requested opinions on Ayn Rand. That was what I offered. It didn't ask for opinions about another guy.

  But, snipes and catcalls from the bleachers are merely interruptions and often lead to bad manners.

  Which is exactly why I asked about you sniping at someone else who offered his opinion on Ayn Rand, which is the topic.

  Now, in response what do we see? Is there discussion? Or, is there peremptory dismissal?

  You got a specific reason why I found Adler to be lacking. What were you expecting?

  You see, I think it is good to express yourself with alternatives and suggested options for others to consider. If you consider path A to be worthless, then suggested path B and tell why it is better.

  You got that. What were you expecting?
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  TerryWalstrom

  Viviane, our discourse would be a lot more productive as a P.M. rather than public contretemps.

  Cappytan has created a fine opportunity for discussion about Ayn Rand in this thread, and I'd hate to hijack it with personality colorations from respondents. I invite you to P.M. me if you have anything you'd like to work out privately. Otherwise, let us raise a window and let some fresh air in, shall we?
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  Viviane

  Cappytan has created a fine opportunity for discussion about Ayn Rand in this thread, and I'd hate to hijack it with personality colorations from respondents.

  Then ... don't hijack it?

  We've been discussing Ayn Rand and philosophy. You seem to think something else is going on. What that is, I've no idea.
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  cappytan

  Where's Mr. Belding when you need him? :P

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZAvh6eD0xk
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  TerryWalstrom

  How did Mr. Belding remember his lines? :)