Author Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism

In your Nov. 1 View section, an article described Ayn Rand as “the writer who sparked libertarian ideals” and then proceeded to imply a tie between her philosophy of objectivism and the libertarian movement. Let me set the record straight. Ayn Rand thoroughly repudiated libertarianism and the anarchism that dominates that movement.

Objectivism stands for reason, rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism, including absolute individual rights. It is a systematic, integrated view of existence, in direct contrast to the anti-philosophic, subjectivist approach of the libertarians. Having no interest in fundamental principles, libertarians make common cause with anyone, including terrorists, opposed to government, especially the United States government.

As Ayn Rand wrote, “The libertarians plagiarized the objectivist theory of politics, while repudiating the metaphysics, epistemology and ethics on which it rests.” Furthermore, she condemned anarchism as “the most irrational, anti-intellectual notion ever spun by the concrete-bound, context-dropping, whim-worshipping fringe of the collectivist movement, where it properly belongs.”

Let us hope that your readers rely on Ayn Rand’s many books rather than on your story for their knowledge of what she stood for.

DR. MICHAEL S. BERLINER

Executive Director,

The Ayn Rand Institute,

Los Angeles