Mocked by some philosophers, adored by most readers – what is the lasting allure of Ayn Rand?
Carrie-Ann Biondi, a Professor of Philosophy at Marymount Manhattan College, and an expert on Ayn Rand and Aristotle, answers this question in “The Courage to Face a Lifetime”: On the Enduring Appeal of Ayn Rand’s Philosophy.
Some gems:
- “Rand’s work contains the message that philosophy matters—for everyone. How well or poorly your life goes depends on whether you hold the right ideas or not.”
- “Rand’s defense of capitalism is grounded in her view of egoism. We each need to create the material and spiritual values needed to live as humans. We gain immeasurably through exchanging values voluntarily with others.”
- “President Donald Trump is an alleged “Ayn Rand acolyte”, but being a fan of Rand’s work is not the same as understanding her views, applying them properly, or living up to them consistently in one’s own life.”
- “Whether one agrees with Rand’s provocative views or not, it’s valuable for philosophers to take them seriously and study them carefully. Her theory provides a systematic alternative to other schools of thought and challenges the academy’s conventional wisdom to keep us on our intellectual toes.”
“The Courage to Face a Lifetime”: On the Enduring Appeal of Ayn Rand’s Philosophy is a remarkablly penetrating read by a philosopher who actually understands, and in terms of philosophical fundamentals, agrees with Ayn Rand’s views.
