True Objectivist Objectivism example essay topic

718 words
You do not have to be a true objectivist Objectivism holds that society functions best when individuals pursue their self-interests. According to Ayn Rand, human understanding and acceptance of reality form the basis of judgment and values. Human beings must live for themselves, neither sacrificing any part of their natures or goals to other people, nor bending others' wills to their own. In this scheme, love is achieved fully only by those individuals who possess the highest self-esteem, which is exhibited in the form of clearly defined and uncompromising values. I agree with some part of this philosophy, but I also disagree with some of it.

I think people should do whatever they want unless it hurts someone, but not to the extent of trying to make nuclear weapons in their basement; I believe that people should think about the society first instead of being selfish, but their individuality - like in Anthem - cannot be taken away; I think people should sell and buy whatever they want without government telling them what is right or wrong, but certain things like weapons of mass destruction should be banned. Does it hurt anyone if I go out and have a beer or two No. Then why am I not able to do it unless I am twenty one years old Does is hurt anyone if I go for a walk at two oclock in the morning No. Then why do some cities have curfews You might argue that I might somehow hurt myself by drinking, but that is MY problem. I have a mind of my own and I can think for myself, so do not tell me what to do or what not to do.

Government should not, though, allow me to make weapons in my basement or dump toxic waste in my back yard. Only things that will have a big effect on the environment or society in the present or the future should be illegal, not small things like underage drinkin or being outside when it is past the city curfew. People should think about the good of society first and only then about themselves. But that does not mean peoples individualities and identities have to be taken away, so they all think they are equal. In Anthem, everyones individuality was taken away to prevent wars and crime. We can prevent wars by living together as a planet, not as different countries.

We can prevent crime by having very strict punishments for EVERYONE. If people are not smart enough to keep this planet clean, government should sacrifice some of their rights and freedoms for the good of the society. In Singapore, you will be fined if you spit in public, chew gum, or forget to flush a public toilet. In Germany, people are just smart enough to keep their country clean and some fines are involved, too.

People can get drunk, but if they do something illegal, they will have to face the consequences. I think people should buy and sell what they please. If I want to buy alcohol, I should be able to do that and the person I want to buy it from should be able to sell it to me. I am considered an adult in a movie theater and have to buy full price ticket, yet when I want to buy wine or beer, I am NOT considered an adult. That is hypocritical. Capitalism should not be totally uncontrolled, though.

It should be illegal to buy and sell weapons such as bombs, poison gas, or even firearms, for it may have a negative effect on the present and the future of society. If any kind of gun should be sold, it should only be a paint-ball gun. Ayn Rands objectivism says that one should either be a true objectivist - believe ALL its concepts - or not be an objectivist at all. I disagree with that.

Rand did not invent objectivism, she discovered it. It is not her right that the concepts cannot be changed, therefore I can be an objectivist, but not believe in the original principles of it.