Horizon

That may be the best indictment of Objectivism I've ever read.

I wonder if the internet has brought to our attention the letter writers and diarists that we would never have known about even thirty years ago.

Actually, both of the first two reviews do a good job of that. While I prefer the first, I did enjoy this comment in the second:

And the fact that the morally corrupt Leonard was able to pass for so long as "one of them" says something crucially important about the movement's standards and purposes: namely, that it _is_ awfully hard to tell a devout Objectivist from a narcissistic, manipulative sociopath. I wonder why. (Hint: it was hard to tell Rand from one too.)

In the absence of these social bonds, the individual is forced to rely entirely on his own private judgment in dealing with the immense complexities of social reality. Because this is not in fact possible, what happens instead is that the individual attaches himself to any charismatic figure who is willing to fill the void left by the absence of all those uncritically accepted traditions that give people the sense of community they need.

An unwarranted generalization if I've ever seen one.

This is always what happens when some ideologue or philosopher attempts to replace the common sense ethics of traditional morality with a "rational" ethics of intellectualist speculation or "reason." Instead of liberty and independence, we find blind loyalty to some sort of self-appointed messiah.

Guess I better find religion soon, I am obviously in danger.

Such are the fruits of any rationalist ideology, regardless of the intentions of its creators.

A straw man the size of the empire state building.

I find the occasional Unwarrented Generalization exceptional company on the weekends. Sometimes we get together with Straw Man, drink schnaaps and play Risk until dawn. For a really good time we invite Adlai Hominem over and trash the furniture.

This is no laughing matter, Bobby. I need to find a good religion to join before I psychically implode and probably take my pets with me.

Oh, if you see false dichotomy tell him he owes me money.

Oh, you want a good religion. I'd give you my old one but I got rid of it, and nobody wants a used religion.

Are you looking for eternal life or just angling for a little enlightenment in this one? Is a personal relationship with God important or can you deal with Him simply favoring people who look and talk like you? Naturally, I'm assuming you're interested in something up the monotheistic alley, but honestly, if you accept that there is one god then you're really one step across the hall from embracing a large number of gods.

You know, I'm not too hung up on the size of the pantheon, or even what the gods are like, as much as what kinds of demands will be made upon me. If more gods means I have to pray more often, then forget it. Basically, I'd like a religion that will leave me mostly alone yet still make me feel good. Know any like that?

Oh, and I don't want to have to pretend to believe any blatantly counter-factual claims. And nothing evangelical. I don't want to be forced to try to get others involved. That's a good way to annoy your friends.

Oh, and absolutely no sitting around and meditating. I tried that a few times and I'd rather be eaten alive by wild Chihuahuas.

Oh, if you see false dichotomy tell him he owes me money.

He handed it all over to Question Begger in a moment of weak logic.

That first review -- it's fine as a criticism of the Ayn Rand cult, but what does the guy mean by "rationalist" and "intellectualist"? Who else does he want to include in his condemnation? And is he actually saying religions are the opposite of cults?

...

Oh, you want a good religion. I'd give you my old one but I got rid of it, and nobody wants a used religion.

You never know. A pre-owned religion, nicely maintained -- maybe formerly a lease or rental faith -- and still under powertrain or even basic warranty? Well, you'd want to consider it. In fact it's hard to get a price break out of our used-religion managers, but I happen to know of a minor heresy that's not even on the lot yet. Lots of extra features, including moonroof and subwoofer. Very little wear 'cos it was only driven to church on Sundays...

(Sorry, been talking to car salesmen this week.)

I don't think I'd be willing to drive off with a used religion unless the dogma had been rebuilt at 1,000 years.

what does the guy mean by "rationalist"

Have you ever had a discussion with an Objectivist under 30? The ones I've talked to really do believe not only that they've got a monopoly on Truth, but on Reason as well.

Have you ever had a discussion with an Objectivist under 30? The ones I've talked to really do believe not only that they've got a monopoly on Truth, but on Reason as well.

Yeah, of course, and ironically the author falls into the trap of presenting Objectivists as model rationalists and true descendents of the Enlightenment (irony being that Objectivists would probably agree enthusiastically) because his ultimate aim is to tar rationalism in general. An Objectivist would be thrilled to bits reading this essay, I imagine.