Objectivism

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)

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.

29 of 30 people found this review helpful

Great Listen

Great philosophies, typical Ayn Rand. Definitely something you have to listen to again and again and again and again.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great work of philosophy could be presented better

As some have already noted this book can be heavy to listen to, especially on the first go. I find it works best in conjunction with a physical book. The book for deep study & margin-scribbling, & this audio form is great for me as a refresher after a few years. I think it works best if you approach the audio like a series of lectures & don't try to get every detail or nuance the first time. Peikoff's clear writing/presentation lends itself well to that format.

As always Ayn Rand's philosophy is honest in its terms, thorough in its reasoning, and profound in its implications.

The only downside is that the narrator speaks with a very smug tone, especially when reading sections referring to the works of other philosophers or philosophical fallacies. It's disconcerting to hear Ayn Rand's ideas in Peikoff's sincere words with such a sneering voice.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

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!!!

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

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!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Fantastic Comprehensive Classic Spoken Well

What did you love best about Objectivism?

The applied Objectivist virtues where the rubber of philosophy meets the road of our lives.

What does Johanna Ward bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her reading of this essential Objectivist text gives it a serious energy and cadence that from reading it I didn't impart. The sound quality and her voice are good; she is precise and gives the impression of being knowledgeable about the subject. She is far better than most I've heard on audible.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

In one setting of 20 hours this is probably not advised but for a daily commute of an hour each day you can zoom through this. I played at 1.25x speed which is enough of a pickup to still understand the crucial details of the material but I wouldn't advise going much faster unless you are a savant.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Eye opener.

Dr. Peikoff has masterfully dissected with clarity Rand's philosophy for living on earth. -Thank you & thank you.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Most Important philisophical achievement

Where does Objectivism rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among all the books on audible I have read it is surpassed only by Rands own writings. Dr Peikoff brilliantly presents Rands revolutionary philosophy.

What other book might you compare Objectivism to and why?

Anything by Ayn Rand

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite part of the book is his discussion of the formation of concepts.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did have an extreme reaction. That reaction was one of exhilarating joy. This book helped make clear to me a who new rational method of thought and along with Rands writings has changed my life

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

fascinating content, but annoying voice

brilliant theories, just too much and too difficult to listen "on the go"

6 of 9 people found this review helpful

Compulsory listening for today's political leaders

The book starts off with a kind of "meta-philosophy" in which it philosophizes about philosophy itself -- which I found very abstract -- but as the book progresses, it becomes more and more concrete and practical, with many hands-on real life examples of how Objectivism could and should be applied in everyday situations.

It covers a wide range of topics such as ethics, law, business, economy, politics, love, sex, art, literature, journalism and more.

Even though the book is written by Leonard Peikoff, a female narrator is appropriate because these really are the thoughts of Ayn Rand. While listening, I got the impression that Johanna Ward enjoyed narrating this work just as much as I enjoyed listening to it.

I will definitely listen to this audiobook often, and I recommend it to anybody who is looking for solutions to the political-social-economic problems we face on a personal and a global level.

Well done to Blackstone Audio and to Audible!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Interesting but hard going

As a fan of Ayn Rand, I gave this a go. slow at first but improves from chap 3 onwards once all of the explanations are out of the way.