Introduction:
I discovered Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, at a young age. It captivated me with its emphasis on reason, individualism, and the pursuit of self-interest. As an impressionable teenager, I found myself drawn to the idea of being an idealist grounded in earthly realities. Little did I know that embracing Objectivism would come with its own set of challenges.
Struggles with Integration:
Many Objectivists struggle with integrating Objectivism into their lives. It’s not just about understanding the philosophy; it’s about living it authentically in a world that doesn’t always align with its principles. Objectivism can be a source of frustration, confusion, and guilt, especially when faced with the complexities of relationships, work, and self-doubt.
Personal Struggles with Objectivism:
In my own journey with Objectivism, I experienced firsthand the struggles that come with trying to be an earthly idealist. It wasn’t easy to reconcile the demands of Objectivism with the complexities of human emotions and relationships. I found myself questioning whether I was living up to the ideals set forth by Rand.
Achievable but Demanding Ideals:
Objectivism offers achievable yet demanding ideals. It emphasizes the importance of reason, individualism, and self-interest. However, achieving these ideals requires a deep understanding of oneself and a commitment to personal growth. It’s not a philosophy that can be simply absorbed; it requires integration into one’s everyday life.
The Precondition for Self-Esteem:
According to Objectivism, the first precondition for self-esteem is achieving one’s moral ideal. This can be a challenging task, as it requires aligning one’s actions and values with Objectivist principles. It involves consistently striving to be the best version of oneself and making choices that are in line with one’s rational self-interest.
Struggles with Personal Values:
Objectivists often struggle with forming strong personal values. The philosophy encourages individuals to think independently and question societal norms. However, this can lead to confusion and uncertainty when it comes to determining one’s own values. It requires introspection, self-examination, and a willingness to challenge one’s own beliefs.
Objectivism as Knowledge, Not Dogma:
It’s important to remember that Objectivism should function as knowledge, not as a dogma. It is a set of principles meant to guide individuals in living fulfilling, rational lives. It should be used as a tool for self-reflection and growth rather than as a rigid set of rules to be blindly followed.
The Role of Philosophy:
Philosophy should serve the individual, not dictate their feelings or thoughts. Objectivism provides a foundation for understanding one’s place in the world and the importance of personal values. However, it should not be used to suppress emotions or stifle individuality. It is essential to balance reason with emotions and to allow oneself to explore and experience life fully.
Forming Personal Values:
Personal values need to be formed based on individual desires and choices. Objectivism encourages individuals to pursue their own happiness and develop values that align with their rational self-interest. This requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt and grow.
Conclusion:
Being an earthly idealist is not an easy task. Embracing Objectivism can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. It requires integrating the philosophy into one’s everyday life, navigating the complexities of relationships and self-doubt, and forming personal values based on individual desires and choices. Objectivism offers achievable but demanding ideals that require introspection, self-examination, and a commitment to personal growth. By understanding that Objectivism should function as knowledge, not as a dogma, and by embracing philosophy as a tool for self-reflection and growth, one can strive to be an earthly idealist while remaining true to oneself.
And that is how you be an earthly idealist.
