Ayn Rand says that the government should leave the economy alone
That is not entirely true. Society admits of as many subsidiary governments as there are human thoughts and desires. Ayn Rand's primary social need was: freedom from force. She found faith to be a denial of the sacredness of the individual life/mind; But philosophically, every individual must choose his/her values through their own thought. Individual faith was (by definition) not rational...but it was a personal choice. The imposition (by force, obviously) of any derivatives of faith upon unwilling individuals (this is for this, or this is for that good, as defined and as imposed by US), she saw as wrong. Initiated force was immoral.
I am always surprised when people acquiesce in that belief, but then say: "but it is ok for Government to do it!"
Rand was not against charity or giving, or any voluntary behaviour that did not impose on others. She was against FORCE. PERIOD. People can form or join any groups they wish--for whatever purposes...provided there is no force. what she was for is another topic. What she was against was force.
Atlas Shrugged is necessarily extreme, because it is trying to set out a philosophy. Thus, we have the dichotomy of extreme opposites. This was the best way for her to exemplify her points, and it worked incredibly well. In practice, however, there is a much more subtle continuum between doers and users.
The pragmatic realities of the characters in Atlas Shrugged forced them into the extremes that demonstrated her philosophy. It also, held them back from such changes. However, even in this fictional setting, it was very difficult for the people, who had minds, to stop being used by the others. It was only because it was a fictional novel that they could be persuaded to stop giving--without any value in return. rand is often accused of being against giving or charity, or being helpful. This is silly and nonsensical. Everybody gives. But to give without value sounds insane to me. What does giving by force or without valuing mean? What could it possibly signify?? If I think a flower is beautiful, I water and feed it--I GIVE. But I don't ONLY value flowers... |
