RoR: Forum

Can anyone really say that they understood completely everything Rand wrote? I only ask this because there are aspects of Objectivism which become more clear to me as I apply it in my personal life and as I experience more stuff. So obviously, my understanding grows as I spiral her ideas with my life experience. I guess point is that the growth and deeper understanding should constantly continue, no?

Post 1

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 11:26am

Scott, I do think one's understanding absolutely grows as one integrates the philosophy. It is one dynamic entirely to read and understand Objectivism on an abstract scale, but it seems a lot of people get stuck there.

To apply it on a daily basis provides constant opportunities for enlightenment, both concerning oneself and one's surroundings. It is a process.

Post 2

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 1:48pm

I was asked once in an interview whether I called myself an Objectivist, and I suggested that it took at least ten years to integrate the ideas sufficiently for anyone to say that they were.

Like John Ridpath, I'm constantly amazed how I can go back and re-read something of Rand's that I read many years ago and find new and profound insights that I'd completely missed before. (Just shows you how good is her own spiral theory of knowledge.) As he said, he sometimes felt that he'd climbed Everest himself by producing an important new idea, only to find when he crested the summit that Rand had been up there for hours sipping a cup of tea and smiiling at his slowness. :-)

Post 3

Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:27am

The problem with this poll is either you understand everything or else your struggling. There is no extra option like - "I've read nearly everything but still I am learning".

Scott,
"Can anyone really say that they understood completely everything Rand wrote?"

Indeed, one can say that. You could have read all books once, thoroughly enjoyed them and understood what you are reading. Years later you may re-read it all over again and see something new.

To "understand" what you are reading - does not mean to "realise" all its possible implications. At least that's my understanding of "understand" and I'm sticking by it - for now that is :-)

Post 4

Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 9:26am

I am new to Ayn Rand and Objectivism, for about a few months.

I've only read the "Fountainhead" and have ordered "Atlas shrugged". I do have a copy of "We the living" but have been hesitate to read it - I think I want to sort out my own memory and experiences first .

I've also only learnt about the basics of Objectivism from various websites. And I was shaking at the realization that so much of my own views are echoed in Rand's.

At this stage of my life, it is unlikely that I'd ever subscribe to any -ism's or idealogies - I've already formed my own system of values and judgements. Still, it is exhilarating to find that I am not a spiritual orphan anymore...

Post 5

Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 3:50pm

why are people afraid of "ism's"?

Its only a classification of belief.

No one is afraid of being classified as a homosapien, or worry about their vehicles being classified as 'SUV' or 'sedan' or 'van'.

But if we are talking about belief then people try to squirm out of being classified.
So I classify these people as "Anti-ism-ists"

:-)
~Eric

Post 6

Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 7:49pm

I was raised a communist until my late teens. I am now a scientist/biophysicist/biochemist/structural biologist. I think that should be enough.

Since I've only read so little Ayn Rand, I certainly can't claim to be objectivist. I did though read every single word of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (only 81 short verses), and take those eternal wisdoms deep to heart. Still I am not committed to be a Taoist. Perhaps I am just too moderate.

Post 7

Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 7:58pm

Hi Hong,

Its exhilarating to hear that you feel spiritually connected to Rand and did you include Solo as well?

Have you introduced yourself? Would you mind if you haven't done so in an earlier piece? You sound like a very thoughtful guy and it would be great to know about where your coming from.

Many people on Solo and some of the other Objectivist sites know each other in real life; I know about 20.

Wecome aboard.

Michael

Post 8

Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 8:18pm

Indeed Hong,

Thanks for coming to the site. Hope you stick around to chat for a long while longer.

Best Regards,

Eric.

(Edited by Eric J. Tower on 9/30, 8:20pm)

Post 9

Friday, October 1, 2004 - 7:55am

Michael,
"You sound like a very thoughtful guy and it would be great to know about where your coming from."

Hmmm, hmmm. I think that should be woman!!!

Post 10

Friday, October 1, 2004 - 8:20am