Why not? Do you disagree that humans are innately proud beings? Does not that pride interfere with the ability to rationally approach a problem? Is not the antidote humility - i.e. the recognition of that pride and the willingness to admit one's own predilections?

I disagree humility need be involved. I think it's about the voracious desire for Truth. An honest person would not be furthering his goals or pursuing his own happiness faking reality.

I separate out faith and empiricism. It is impossible to gain knowledge without first arriving from one's sensory perception. But it is possible to build a system of thought without placing one's sensory perceptions as the primary source of all knowledge. The scientific Method is about integrating the two: logic and evidence. A is A, therefore concepts are created and valid and therefore you can integrate evidence with concepts. That is what science has done for 400 years.

One of the big things I've come across in Rand's writings is the complete lack of mention of the quality of ignorance. To me, all investigation and learning can only properly start once one admits he is starting from a position of ignorance - not knowledge - and then proceeds from there. The other thing that the scientific process is good for is helping us to revisit our hypotheses and continually reject confirmation bias - the principle that we look for the results we are expecting and tend to regard them with more weight than other evidence. Why? Because we don't want to be ignorant or admit our own ignorance. We are prideful human beings and that pride interferes with the ability to think rationally in all kinds of matters - from religion to philosophy to government and more.

This applies to rational thought, because humans have the tendency once they form an opinion - whether they think it is rationally based or not - to irrationally cling to that initial decision even in the face of contrary evidence to an astounding degree. A true scientist is one who has the personal integrity and humility to at all points question their assumptions, conclusions, and thought processes when testing a hypothesis. It is a truly rare person that can do that.

Reading this is like taking a shower. Enjoyable both during and after.

you're welcome. Glad you're enjoying it

khalling, thank you very much for posting this interview as I had heard about but never read it.
I am at this moment printing it to first of all read at my leisure and make copies for others and otherwise put will all of her other writings or interviews that I have. thanks again.

LetsShrug,

Are holding something back? I mean how do you know there was a new camera angle.

that would be hawk

Oh! Did she send you in to deliver that? My memory is not so bad that I will forget this one. Some one needs new running shoes. Cough some up, Eagle.

I'm all outa context-which you love

melon head

Always a new angle.

And don't think the word 'snatch' was lost on me.

Yeah...it can't always be low merkins.

Well, I obviously needed to RE read it then. (My brain is just so darned full sometimes.)

I love my gulch boys

Damn straight. Inquiring minds want to know. lol.

yes rainbow girl