Objectivism

The Philosophy of Ayn Rand

By: Leonard Peikoff

Narrated by: Johanna Ward

Length: 19 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This brilliantly conceived book is based on a lecture course given by Dr. Leonard Peikoff in 1976 entitled, "The Philosophy of Objectivism". The lectures were attended by Ayn Rand, who helped prepare them and who also joined Peikoff in answering questions. Ayn Rand said of these lectures: "Until or unless I write a comprehensive treatise on my philosophy, Dr. Peikoff's course is the only authorized presentation of the entire theoretical structure of objectivism; that is, the only one that I know of my own knowledge to be fully accurate."

Peikoff, as Rand's foremost interpreter, here reveals both the abstract fundamentals of objectivism and its practical applications, with much new material that Rand offered only in private conversations with Peikoff.

©1991 Leonard Peikoff (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A revelation. Peikoff is an extraordinary communicator....He brings the most difficult intellectual ideas within the grasp of the general reader....An awesome intellectual experience." (Detroit Free Press)

Essential listening

What made the experience of listening to Objectivism the most enjoyable?

Good narrator, excellent content

Any additional comments?

There's some issues with Peikoff describing Rand. Remember that this isn't Rand's view of objectivism, despite being portrayed as such - this is Peikoff's view of Rand's view. It's probably the best account of Ayn Rand's opinions to date, but still not her own account.

Well presented

The book is presented very well, with one minor caveat: the narrator breezes through difficult abstractions too quickly at parts. Perhaps it is the terse nature of a philosophy text. Make sure to have your rewind button handy!

It's The Truth, And Nothing But The Truth

What did you love best about Objectivism?

The lifting of the vail from over my eyes.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Altruism is a recipe for relinquishment of control over yourself to others and failed dreams.

Brilliant

This book is paradigm shifting.

Objectivism may be the most powerful philosophical system ever.


#reality

To everyone who's been told not read Ayn Rand.

After this book you will know why there has been such a campaign in the media against her. Her logic is impeccable that her ideas are considered dangerous. In fully presenting her philosophy she absolutely destroys the philosophical arguments of both the right and the left. Objectivism has the logical and moral high ground over every major philosophy ever created.

A Detailed Explanation of Ayn Rand's Philosophy

As the title states, this book details the philosophic thought of Ayn Rand, which she called Objectivism. Dr. Peikoff follows Ms. Rand's thinking from perception to concept formation and ultimately to government, economics and art. According to Rand, man is a rational being who has survived solely because of his intellect. She replaces Shakespeare's question: "To be or not to be" with the fundamental choice "To think or not to think." She then moves methodically and logically to explaini the idea of rational selfishness, which is not a "do whatever you want at the expense of others" proposal, as her critics pretend. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in philosophy.

Best Book on Philosophy

I agree with the philosophy of Objectivism. This audio book has enlightened me. I highly recommend it.

The very best overview of Objectivism

If you identified with the heroes of Atlas Shrugged and want to fully explore the philosophical principles on which they were based, this is a great book. There are quite a few good books and lectures available on Ayn Rand's philosphy of Objectivism, but this is by far the best. It starts with the foundation of human understanding and develops the philosophy using self-evident logic and reason. The author does an excellent job of capturing Ayn Rand's compelling philosophy for living a non-contradictory life. If you're going to read only one book about objectivism, this is the one to read and was fully endorsed by Ayn Rand.

Great listening.

Great, great philosophy, it changed and improved my life for the better. Beware two things. First, at least for me was not very easy to grasp every concepts and the overall significance. I had to listen several times. Secondly puts in doubt the cardinals beliefs of your religion whether it'd be Christian, or otherwise. Thanks Ayn Rand!!!

this is an amazing book

I really love this book.It's got everything in it.learned how to figure out my strugglestil I figure out this life I'm in.