Read "The Frankenstein Candidate" last month, I think, based on Gulch recommendations. It was a terrific read,

'Benevolence is compatible with capitalism'.
It is the socialists not the capitalists who deny it.
The argument against altruism is one that I find difficult, I reconcile it to myself by using the term -false altruism- where those who may or may not donate justify forced giving (taking) with arguments that are emotional rather than thought out. Often these proponents are beneficiaries of donations (taxes).
Thanks kh and Vinay.

Bravo! Art is life. Art is good. Benevolence is inherent and bountiful when capitalism and prosperity reign.

a lectern ;)

I think so, too. we shall see.

you are going to enjoy it, I think, minnie

YES!

I've had those thoughts in mind for years, thus my interest in storytelling and my reading book after book about the art form. I've often wondered if Rand were publishing "Atlas Shrugged" today if it'd be published by a major house. I don't think she'd be (at least, she'd have a hell of a time), one because of what the story is about and two, because of its length and style (like the 100-page Galt speech). nevertheless, AS 's success is hard to argue with and I believe more like it need to be written by modern authors. thus, my excitement when I find liberty minded fiction writers that are already putting themselves out there. for those that don't go through the traditional publishing route, whether they just don't want to or aren't accepted, there is self publishing. it is becoming so popular and powerful, that I think liberty minded, entertaining and engrossing stories will gain in popularity regardless of what the big publishing houses deem to be marketable.

this man's book sounds interesting, and I'll be checking it out very soon.

renaissance person. I understand

In my case, I've explored the virtues of all those paths. When I was running my construction company there were many occasions that I would see a upcoming project that required certain skill-sets in areas that I would be lacking and I would be unable to find the right employees to fill the need. So I'd take whatever classes I needed to gain the knowledge needed. Shortly I saw that I had most of the requirements for a civil engineering degree. Since I already processed mechanical and electrical engineering degrees all of the foundation credits transferred and in short order I had another diploma on the wall.

I took the first two degrees after I came back from Vietnam and found the structure that I needed after that. Those two degrees open the door for my being Commissioned into the US Army.

Following my retirement I began a series of classes in history just for fun and added a few Arts classes for fun.

When we returned to Illinois I enrolled in a local university before our furniture was delivered, or our home was finished being built.

That led to my Bachelor of Fine arts degrees with focuses in Photography AND one in Ceramics. I took both degree paths simultaneously, independently of one another. Following that I decided that I really enjoyed making pottery, so I bought an abandoned rail road depot in a small town, remodeled it and open a great little studio and retail business that I operated until I sold the business 3 years ago and went on strike.

Right now, I'm not taking any classes, but that will change soon..

As a professional student, is your goal to be validated, have structure, receive economic benefit, switch careers, some other purpose? I would be very interested in vinay's answer to this question. and yours, Mike's, and others-

Your comment struck a note with me and gave me pause to wonder if the pursuit of multiple degrees (or at least expanded education) is a common thread in the lives of us. It seems so among the strikers I personally know. My wife and children often refer to me as a professional student.

Like you, he is a collector of degrees. He is currently getting an advanced degree in screen writing. Consider dropping him an electronic line . We have the world to win

I watched this twice through. He is the author of "The Frankenstein Candidate." He is really a financial analyst.

In this lecture, his thesis is broader and more abstract.

He makes three points.
1. Every story has a moral.
2. You need art (more than you need sex).
3. Benevolence comes from capitalism.

He has other YouTube videos.
"What Caused the Global Financial Crisis?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJy7FXyVd...
"Objectivism for Everyday Living" (Presented to Sydney Atheists)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7vPjG7kR...