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When designing a government it must serve the interests of the governed. But it must also serve the interests of those who govern — and in two senses. Those who govern are humans. They must not be expected to work for free, or at a loss, or counter to their own self interests. And they must have the tools necessary to their professional interest in protecting rights, which itself must be rational and attainable and not self-defeating. (Read the entire blog entry)

Run-in with Ron. (Read the entire blog entry)

While Rand was quite vocal in her praise of Aristotle, much of her philosophy and many of her doctrines are strikingly similar to that of two other schools which during the Hellenistic age held much greater influence than did the Peripatos. One school, the Stoics, is mostly familiar to us in the parody of Spock, the "emotionless" pointy-eared Vulcan. The Epicureans were so hated by the early Christians and Jews that epicure and apikoros became bywords for godlessness and licentiousness. This characterization was, of course, a slander, but even Spinoza in the 17th Century was branded apikoros as he was placed under the almost unprecedented lifetime kherem or excommunication of the Jewry of Amsterdam. Below I have posted the forty Principle Doctrines. My source is epicurus.net

Ted Keer (Read the entire blog entry)

Some very creative people on YouTube make a comfortable living just from the ads displayed on their videos. You've seen them, I'm sure. Making videos is hard work, if you've ever tried it. There's nothing "easy" about it, but the government just can't stand that anyone would make a dime without it having at least one fat toe on it. (Read the entire blog entry)

A brief outline of why I stopped majoring in psychology. (Read the entire blog entry)

New day, same lies. 

With all the news this year about Ayn Rand — the record-smashing sales of her decades old novels, her name on placards at the Tea Party protests, the publication of her collected speeches and interviews, and not just one but two mainstream biographies — perhaps the most exciting is the publication of this book, subtitled The Basic Principles of Objectivism, and containing the lecture series Rand authorized Nathaniel Branden to disseminate to teach her philosophy.

This book is a fascinating and invaluable work, one that ranks no lower in interest and value than Rand's own non-fiction. It is of value not just because it presents the Objectivist stand on so many issues, but because it shows the method of thought that results in those stands. For good or bad it documents Branden's central place in the history of Objectivism. It will appeal equally on their own levels to scholars, critics, Rand aficionados and those interested in learning about Objectivism. Rand readers will only wish for more. (Read the entire blog entry)

(1) Mona Eltahawy with Bill Maher (Feb. 4; Real Time with Bill Maher show) and (2) caller "Dave" with Mark Steyn (Feb. 7; Rush Limbaugh show). (Read the entire blog entry)

Self, teach me to meditate. (Read the entire blog entry)

Some of my reactions to the book. (Read the entire blog entry)