Terrence-
<<Objectivism, however, as a school of philosophical thought has many proponents. Among them are men such as Milton Friedman -- free market economist and Nobel Prize winner. The late Ludwig von Mises, perhaps one of the world's greatest capitalist economists, Nathaniel Branden, who founded a whole new school of psychology based on her philosophical tenets ...>>
Kindly provide any evidence you have that Milton Friedman has advocated Rand's philosophy. I strongly doubt you could do so, and thus I believe you are mis-representing Friedman's life and thought. Numerous of Friedman's ideas fly directly in the face of Rand's beliefs. Can't say I recall her commenting on it directly, but it requires little insight to imagine the derision she would have heaped on the negative income tax!
As for von Mises, your claim that he endorsed Rand's philosophy is ludicrous. As anecdotal evidence of my claim, check out William F. Buckley's obit for Rand that appeared in National Review. He was at a dinner party where Rand was rambling on about something or other. von Mises cut her off, whereby the apostle of rationality burst into tears and exclaimed, "You are picking on me because I'm just a poor little Jewish girl". Not one to turn squishy soft at the sight of a woman in tears, von Mises responded, "Yes, that is exactly what you are, a poor, stupid, ignorant little Jewish girl!". [quotes may not be 100% accurate, but they are very close do accurately reflect Buckley's report of the conversation] More seriously, the learned von Mises claimed he could not make sense out of Galt's speech. Doesn't sound to me like von Mises endorsed Rand's "philosophy". Let's see you back up your claim, Terrence- or are you simply name dropping? And if you fail to do so, I will state for the record that accuracy- or perhaps it is honesty?- is not your stock in trade.
As for Dr. Nathaniel Brandon- the little four flusher got his "doctorate" from some degree mill that is not accredited by any standard accrediting agency (Pacific Sierra University, was it?). His psychology- particularly when he was closely associated with Rand- arguably did more harm than good to his vic, er patients and has developed no following in the profession. His professional contribution has been on the margins at best. The guy was (is?) a shameless self-promoter leeching off his one-time liaison with Rand.
I say these things as an admirer of Rand- but I've never worshipped at her shine. Her faults were, like her strengths, larger than life. She was frequently wrong (come now, can you really rationally make the case that one ought, as a matter of moral imperative, smoke cigarettes?) As Barbara Branden put it, both those who deify Rand, and those who demonize her are equally guilty of trivializing her life and its meaning. Anyone genuinely interested in Who Was Ayn Rand would do well to read Barbara Branden's biography, "The Passion of Ayn Rand."
You give every evidence of knowing nothing about the Ayn Rand's impact on the world of ideas- either that or you are dishonest. This seems not to deter you one whit from making extravagant claims on the subject. I suggest you take a good look in the mirror before calling someone else "a moron". You might be amazed at what you would see.
Larry
P.S. Note to the sensitive types: von Mises was Jewish, and so felt comfortable making what some would consider an incautious reference to Rand's ethnicity. |
