Truth. Isn't that a shame.

Depending on what you read -- there is also a lot of misinformation from some who misrepresent it, don't understand it and/or are here for contrary purposes.

Thanks, Ellen, for the attempt at a "thumbs up." I found Prof. Smith's books insightful, yet riveting and not too academic for a non-philosopher like be to understand. I've considered myself an Objectivist for most of my adult life, but it wasn't until have a bit more time on my hands after getting to be semi-retired that I dug into Objectivism more deeply. I am convinced more than ever that the human race would be orders of magnitude better off it Objectivism were to gain a larger foot hold.

😉

Oy!

More like Frick & Frack.

Wouldn't have it any other way!

Now, that is a copious response!

That is good to hear. But, when I see things such as " ARI distinguished fellow Peter Schwartz" on their website, I still wonder how much they have changed. Schwartz, to me, typifies cultist strain of ARI and keeping him as a "distiguished fellow" communicates to me it is the same wine, new bottle.

I don't have enough points to mark a thumbs up, so I will reply that Tara Smith's books are very good and insightful. Rather than simply repeating or explaining Miss Rand's ideas, she actually added new facts and ideas to clarify ethics. They gave me a deeper understanding of what the virtues meant. She is an excellent writer.

It begins with ethics since we all need to know how we should behave, but Rand also had important things to say in epistemology. Whether they are unique I don't know but her theory of concepts seems to answer problems that others only could ask about and to add to the job Aristotle started.

ARI is much friendlier under Yaron Brook. The cultish behavior is history. It is hard to give up ideas based on experience, but while I too noticed that behavior it began to change over 10 years ago.

The X rated O show.

Turned out fine handyman. The star key makes it italics.

Cutting edge humor.

Maybe not everyone.

OK, but don't do it at breakfast 'cause that's when I have my Cheerios. :)

I think Mike and I should do a radio show together. fighting O's heh heh :)

Circumstance?
Whew! I thought for a bit you were going for circumcise.
Been there, done that.

Now, now, children. Let's behave.

Once you have had a chance to read some of the Rand polemics, I would suggest "The Ayn Rand Lexicon Objectivism from A to Z" edited by Harry Binswanger New American Library. In it, he lists excerpts of just about every subject that she and close associates ever wrote about and references where the excerpts come from. It's a sort of Cliff's Notes on Objectivism.

Thank you to Mike and ewv. I knew of some of the sites but not all.

ARI has changed over time. There was a time (over a decade ago) when The Atlas Society was the better site because ARI was too closed in thinking and too protective of Ayn Rand's work. Understand that Leonard Peikoff was entrusted with a difficult task so his position was understandable, yet it made new material hard to accept, including people who were not totally loyal. The Split was also a problem

Now that ARI is run by Yaron Brook and Dr Peikoff is freer to run an excellent podcast - it is an enjoyable, informative, and insightful source and more friendly than lectures can sometimes be.

Yaron Brook is an excellent speaker and under his hand ARI has increased materials remarkably. There are classes, lectures, a radio program, and other activities. Most of it is free to the user with no loyalty oaths or such. So the older attitudes toward ARI no longer apply.

Nathaniel and Barbara Branden are both dead and so the Split is becoming history.

Each of you might consider what you enjoy and the form it takes. I read Ayn Rand's novels before most of the non fiction was written and enjoyed the stories and characters as fiction. Some people don't like fiction and perhaps should read the non fiction instead and come back to skim the novels later. I feel they miss a lot but that is a personal choice - they may feel I am not as intellectual since I like stories.

For those who like fiction read Anthem first and if you like it you may become hooked on her ideas. Those who want non fiction start with any of the suggestions given or The Virtue of Selfishness if ethics is your main interest.

The movie was necessarily a shortened version as is any epic novel that is done as a movie. More was left out than included. If you like the movie or if you feel it was lacking depth, either way, read Atlas Shrugged to learn about the characters and story as well as Ayn Rand's philosophy.

"For the New Intellectual" would likely be best
for a beginner. It has the main essence. But for
learning MORE, well, more than what? Depends
on how much the person already knows.

if you have a serious person who wants to learn fast,
I would point them to 3 parts of AS::: the value of money,
the meaning of sex, and Galt's speech. . in that order.
if the first 2 get 'em hooked, they might do the speech. -- j

p.s. but you said "more about" ... okay, the Lexicon and
Capitalism, The Unknown Ideal might be twins.
.

Salty Dog, your have the simplicity and also the depth of Yoda. Agree with you, I do. Don't be afraid to read Rand in her own words, reread, until it becomes a part of you and you feel what she meant. I first studied her in philosophy class, transitioned to one of her fiction writings, one after another, and then to "Capitalism: the Unknown Ideal", and continued on, until my readings had filled a complete shelf, there to reference when needed. Although I did not understand everything she did, I did understand what she thought. I have copies of her interviews on tape, and even a few analysis by others she worked with, although, I do not like the once-removed way of relating. I truly believe there is something there form everyone if they just listen with their eyes. The catch is, start with what excites you and journey on.

Check out Atlas University: http://atlassociety.org/objectivism/a..., from the Atlas Society.

We have an introduction to Objectivism in essentials: http://atlassociety.org/objectivism/a...

We have an introduction to Objectivist ideas through video commentaries on key scenes in the Atlas Shrugged movies: http://atlassociety.org/objectivism/a...

And I am here in the Gulch, willing to answer any questions.