I’m glad to see that many others have pointed out EJ’s mistaken interpretation of Objectivism. To add a prototypical passage to demonstrate the error:
Ellsworth Toohey: There’s the building that should have been yours. There are buildings going up all over the city which are great chances refused and given to incompetent fools. You’re walking the streets while they’re doing the work that you love but cannot obtain. This city is closed to you. It is I who have done it! Don’t you want to know my motive?
Howard Roark: No.
Ellsworth Toohey: I’m fighting you and shall fight you in every way I can.
Howard Roark: You’re free to do what you please.
Ellsworth Toohey: Mr. Roark, we’re alone here. Why don’t you tell me what you think of me in any words you wish.
Howard Roark: But I don’t think of you.
Of course the looters make life worse. So does rust. Their evil has no significance to an Objectivist’s moral worth.
I have my own disagreements with Objectivism, but I find it interesting how Rand plays the moral Bogeyman for a wide swath of US culture.
I’m glad to see that many others have pointed out EJ’s mistaken interpretation of Objectivism. To add a prototypical passage to demonstrate the error:
Of course the looters make life worse. So does rust. Their evil has no significance to an Objectivist’s moral worth.
I have my own disagreements with Objectivism, but I find it interesting how Rand plays the moral Bogeyman for a wide swath of US culture.