tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post8971686201251878954..comments2024-03-19T07:48:54.021-06:00Comments on Gus Van Horn: More Publicity for Ayn RandGus Van Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05126749051688217781noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post-84588475388966704672007-10-02T23:19:00.000-06:002007-10-02T23:19:00.000-06:00I am actually in the process of blogging it now.I am actually in the process of blogging it now.Gus Van Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05126749051688217781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post-48288360975162045002007-10-02T23:08:00.000-06:002007-10-02T23:08:00.000-06:00And the beat goes on!Clarence Thomas on Ayn RandTh...And the beat goes on!<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://althouse.blogspot.com/2007/10/clarence-thomas-on-ayn-rand.html" REL="nofollow">Clarence Thomas on Ayn Rand</A><BR/><BR/>The above is linked on Instapundit, which has the unusually high number of *two* separate Ayn Rand references on the front page as of now (Oct 2).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post-38332287342274684632007-10-02T11:06:00.000-06:002007-10-02T11:06:00.000-06:00Heh! Thanks again.Heh! Thanks again.Gus Van Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05126749051688217781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post-80573477320534577532007-10-02T10:59:00.000-06:002007-10-02T10:59:00.000-06:00Thanks for your response - of course I know you be...Thanks for your response - of course I know you better than you know me. I was not suggesting the student designation was any formal requirement. Maybe a colored belt system as they have in judo would be a good indication of Objectivist knowledge - particularly useful when one is heading into intellectual battle. "I cannot explain my answer on concept formation adequately, but I will refer you to Gus who is a recognized brown belt in Objectivism."<BR/><BR/>Kidding aside - it will likely become more of a problem on the web that bad information and simple misinformation will proliferate as Ayn Rand attracts more attention. It will make blogs such as yours even more valuable in the future. Keep up the good fight.johnnycwesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746767404567772212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post-60983528481272635722007-10-02T10:12:00.000-06:002007-10-02T10:12:00.000-06:00You're welcome, Johnny.As for your question, "Is i...You're welcome, Johnny.<BR/><BR/>As for your question, "Is it still considered a requirement that one say that he is a 'student of Objectivism'?" I feel the need to clarify it for all the people like Ferguson, who might take it in a religious light.<BR/><BR/>The use of the phrase "student of Objectivism" (and others like it) is used to indicate sympathy with Objectivism while admitting that one does not feel ready necessarily to defend it or put it forth. <BR/><BR/>There are no "marching orders" to use such phrases as one might have with a religious sect. However, if one is concerned with the need to express and defend the right intellectual ideas, one will surmise that there is an objective, practical requirement (for the goal of spreading rational ideas) that if one does not feel ready to comment on a given issue, one should not comment. <BR/><BR/>By extension, if what one says might be misconstrued as Objectivism, then one simply indicates in some way that (1) it is her philosophy and that she is the final authority on it, (2) whether one agrees with the it or some relevant part of it (to the best of his understanding), and (3) whether one is attempting to apply it to the issue at hand.<BR/><BR/>Along those lines, I consider myself more knowledgeable than most about Objectivism, but do not consider myself an authority on it.Gus Van Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05126749051688217781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8839412.post-49538278399350842352007-10-02T09:45:00.000-06:002007-10-02T09:45:00.000-06:00Another excellent post - thank you. I am of two mi...Another excellent post - thank you. I am of two minds when I read or hear personal attacks on Ayn Rand. Initially my response is to defend her to the best of my knowledge. Then I think "so what" - I do not know the details of Ayn Rand's life intimately . It is none of my business and I don't really care that much. I am intrigued by this brilliant woman and genius who should be recognized as one of the greatest thinkers of any age. The details of her life interest me at a certain level, but ultimately Ayn Rand and Objectivism speak for themselves. I understand that Ayn Rand bristled at the idea of a "Randian" - I find the term repugnant. But I am very proud to say that I am an Objectivist and a follower of Ayn Rand's philosophy. Is it still considered a requirement that one say that he is a "student of Objectivism"?<BR/><BR/>So some consider Ayn Rand's early followers to be "creepy"? Even if I agreed with that judgment, if I knew the people, it would mean less than zero to me. Of many things I do find creepy is the adulation and frenzy that political campaigns ignite in people. As a youth, I did work on the campaign of a local politician who was much better than most - and his reputation has stood the test of time. Even so I could not understand fellow campaign workers enthusiasm and excitement for almost any candidate for political office. Now I am even more cynical - either I refuse to vote or hold my nose while I do.<BR/><BR/>Getting excited about almost any politician or the political process? Now that's creepy.<BR/><BR/>It is wonderful to see that the sleeping giant of Objectivism seems to be stirring in our culture and it is being noticed. The charge of creepiness in some followers is praising with faint damnation.johnnycwesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746767404567772212noreply@blogger.com