This brilliantly conceived and well-organized book is based on a lecture course given by Dr. Leonard Peikoff in 1976, prepared with the help of Ayn Rand and entitled “The Philosophy of Objectivism.” 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 to be fully accurate.”
As Rand’s designated heir and foremost interpreter, Peikoff here reveals both the abstract fundamentals of objectivism and its practical applications, covering topics from certainty to money, from logic to art. With much new material that Rand offered only in private conversations with Peikoff, these clear, cogent chapters illuminate objectivism and its creator with startling clarity.
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"Covers the ideas quite well. I considered myself an Objectivist for a number of years after reading a deluge of Rand's ideas. I learned a lot about thinking during this time, exploring base concepts such as writng a definition of the word "table". You never think about low level words, you just sort of know what they mean. How can you think clearly without having a solid foundation for your ideas? Words as abstractions are tools, but it is not the words, it is the abstrations that make higher level concepts possible."
— Michael (5 out of 5 stars)
“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 eye opener of my life. "
— Cassandra, 2/12/2014" this fleshes out the structure of objectivism, without any fiction to distract you, thus making it easier to disagree with the sad, drunk, and ironically sanctimonious Ayn Rand. "
— Jamie, 2/10/2014" Kudos and many thanks to Objectivism, Ayn Rand, and Leonard Peikoff. "
— Ilyn, 1/18/2014" This is an absolutely essential book for understanding Rand's systematic philosophy, and placing it in the context of philosophical traditions. I'd recommend anyone who has read Rand's novels (especially Atlas Shrugged) read this to understand comprehensively the philosophy it contains. "
— Spencer, 1/18/2014" Wonderful book written by someone who knows Rand's philosophy inside and out! Great, thorough, and nuanced! Love this book! "
— Morris, 12/22/2013" First half hard to read as it requires you to really think. Globally a great book. "
— Joao, 10/4/2013" This book was a welcome addition to my library of Ayn Rand's works. The book justified and supported my quetioning attitude . It added to my first hand empirical knowledge concerning big business and governments in general "
— John, 8/13/2013" It was ok in that it spelled out her beliefs clearly and succintly - but she was one harsh lady. "
— Evie53, 1/8/2013" A thrilling read. The only authoritative work on Ayn Rand's system of thought. "
— Matt, 10/9/2012" Leonard Peikoff did a wonderful job holding the vision of Ayn Rand in this monumental book that is the lifetime result of a developing philosophy. "
— Rich, 12/7/2011" While I think some of her ideas have merit, I question the basis for what she says. I am not sure and I do not remember what her particular perspective was on spirituality and religion. As a Christian, I find most of what she says to be in contrast with what I believe. "
— Mark, 5/19/2011" Pretty much all the questions I still had about Objectivism were cleared up after reading this book. "
— Kelly, 12/3/2010" A thrilling read. The only authoritative work on Ayn Rand's system of thought. "
— Matt, 11/3/2010" Start: June 13, 2008 <br/>Finish: September 12, 2008 <br/> <br/>True rating: 10/10 "
— Eddie, 7/2/2009" This is the definitive book on objectivism. It covers just about everything. It's an excellent read. "
— Patrick, 4/26/2009" Pretty much all the questions I still had about Objectivism were cleared up after reading this book. "
— Kelly, 3/23/2009" One of the more useful books I've seen in my lifetime. "
— Dad, 11/5/2008" The eye opener of my life. "
— Cassandra, 10/13/2008" Kudos and many thanks to Objectivism, Ayn Rand, and Leonard Peikoff. "
— Ilyn, 7/12/2008Leonard Peikoff is universally recognized as the preeminent Rand scholar writing today. He worked closely with Ayn Rand for thirty years and was designated by her as heir to her estate. He has taught philosophy at Hunter College, Long Island University, and New York University. Peikoff for many years lectured on Rand’s philosophy throughout the country. He lives in Southern California.
Johanna Ward (a.k.a. Kate Reading) is an Audie Award–winning narrator and has received numerous Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine. She is also a theater actor in the Washington, DC, area and has been a member of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company since 1987. Her work onstage has been recognized by the Helen Hayes Awards Society, among others. She and her husband live in Hyattsville, Maryland, with their two children.