The Underlying Cause

In some ways this post may be out of order in the train of thought which I hope to develop. However, the arguments presented in the following posts regarding the ‘symptoms’ may be illuminated if one keeps this ‘underlying cause’ in mind throughout. Additionally, I hope the preliminary presentation of these ideas now will make them easier to support in the future.

The underlying problem with current ‘objectivist’ thought is simply this: ‘objectivists’ see their philosophy as an ends in itself rather than a means to reach a goal.

I believe objectivists are so caught up in decrying irrational behavior that they have forgotten what the purpose of rational behavior is. Without a consideration of overall purpose ‘objectivists’ become lost. They begin to haggle over the letter of the philosophy without consideration of the outcome of that philosophy. They become chronically short-sighted and disparage any attempt to examine the outcomes of their actions. ‘Objectivists’ soon fall into the same absolutist trappings which doomed communism and could as efficiently doom capitalism.

So, the question naturally becomes: what is the purpose of objectivism? For me the answer is simple yet grandiose: Objectivism is a means to ensure my own happiness and simultaneously an effective way to encourage the long term survival of humanity.

This purpose for objectivism obviously requires elaboration, but when it is accepted it instantly provides an overarching guidance of which current ‘objectivist’ thought is in dire need. The result of this overarching purpose is a weakening of the ‘Word’ of objectivism and a strengthening of the importance of the results. The objectivist “party line” is no longer sacred. Objectivism becomes an effective tool for reaching the goal of happiness and long term human survival, but as soon as ‘objectivism’ begins to hinder happiness and long term human survival it can be ignored.