Episode
#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
2:53:46
Published: Fri Nov 13 2020
Description
Yaron Brook is a objectivist philosopher, podcaster, and author. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free - Cash App: https://cash.app/ and use code LexPodcast to get $10 EPISODE LINKS: Yaron's Twitter: https://twitter.com/yaronbrook Yaron Brook Show (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/user/ybrook Free Market Revolution (book): https://amzn.to/32H0oLb Equal is Unfair (book): https://amzn.to/32K3NsC PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:28) - Principles of a life well lived (14:35) - Free will (20:50) - Nature of reality (29:28) - Ayn Rand (1:01:11) - Objectivism (1:26:29) - Godel Incompleteness Theorem (1:31:36) - Capitalism (2:01:22) - Virtue of selfishness (2:11:27) - Win-win (2:17:31) - Anarchy (2:36:24) - Tribalism and division (2:40:42) - Objectivism and Jordan Peterson on personal responsibility
Chapters
Yaron Brook is the chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute and a host of a podcast where he analyzes government systems and human behavior.
00:00 - 02:53 (02:53)
Summary
Yaron Brook is the chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute and a host of a podcast where he analyzes government systems and human behavior. He applies the philosophy of objectivism, developed by Ayn Rand, to discuss a better way of building a world together.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of using our reason to live a fulfilling life and to make rational decisions.
02:53 - 09:49 (06:55)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of using our reason to live a fulfilling life and to make rational decisions. Using our minds to plan and thinking through our choices will allow us to truly live and be fully present in our lives.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker stresses that the most important thing that allows human beings to survive and thrive is their capability to reason.
09:49 - 14:27 (04:38)
Summary
The speaker stresses that the most important thing that allows human beings to survive and thrive is their capability to reason. People need to have the right values, think about them, focus on them, have a plan for their own life, and use their reason to change the world.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea that science may be able to engineer consciousness and understand how our minds construct the reality that we perceive sets the stage for a discussion on objectivism and challenging thought experiments.
14:27 - 24:32 (10:04)
Summary
The idea that science may be able to engineer consciousness and understand how our minds construct the reality that we perceive sets the stage for a discussion on objectivism and challenging thought experiments. There is a need to differentiate between inclinations, feelings, emotions, sensations, thoughts, concepts, and ideas in evolutionary psychology.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the notion of reality and how our understanding of the universe is limited, which calls for a certain degree of humility.
24:32 - 31:49 (07:16)
Summary
The podcast discusses the notion of reality and how our understanding of the universe is limited, which calls for a certain degree of humility. It also talks about how reason and statistical analysis are often misused in psychological studies, and emphasizes that there are bad applications of reason.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Ayn Rand had a rigorous daily routine of studying and writing while living under communism in Soviet Russia, and her first novel "We the Living" is a powerful portrayal of life in that oppressive society.
31:49 - 36:17 (04:27)
Summary
Ayn Rand had a rigorous daily routine of studying and writing while living under communism in Soviet Russia, and her first novel "We the Living" is a powerful portrayal of life in that oppressive society.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast features a discussion about the ongoing conflict in America and how it relates to George Orwell's "Animal Farm", a book featured in the podcast where it becomes a bestseller through word of mouth.
36:17 - 42:28 (06:10)
Summary
This podcast features a discussion about the ongoing conflict in America and how it relates to George Orwell's "Animal Farm", a book featured in the podcast where it becomes a bestseller through word of mouth.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of pursuing your passion and thinking probabilistically is discussed, as well as the early stories of Ayn Rand that she wrote in preparation for writing her novel.
42:28 - 47:46 (05:18)
Summary
The importance of pursuing your passion and thinking probabilistically is discussed, as well as the early stories of Ayn Rand that she wrote in preparation for writing her novel.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how reading Ayn Rand's work can be life-altering, but suggests going into it with an open mind and putting aside preconceived notions.
47:48 - 53:43 (05:55)
Summary
The speaker discusses how reading Ayn Rand's work can be life-altering, but suggests going into it with an open mind and putting aside preconceived notions. He also touches on the dismissive attitude towards Rand's ideas in certain circles, comparing it to the dismissal of specific concepts in technical fields.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode talks about the importance of questioning the nature of intelligence and making it a life journey.
53:43 - 59:19 (05:35)
Summary
This episode talks about the importance of questioning the nature of intelligence and making it a life journey. It also mentions how people often give up on their ideals due to societal norms and pressures, and the value of young people with fire in their eyes to pursue the field of artificial intelligence.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism was partially driven by her desire to create an ideal man in literature.
59:19 - 1:06:03 (06:44)
Summary
Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism was partially driven by her desire to create an ideal man in literature. While flawed, Objectivism was rooted in Rand's attraction to Nietzsche's grand vision for humanity and her need for a holistic approach to achieving goals.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the Objectivist philosophy and explains how the purpose of morality is to provide you with a code of values and virtues to guide your life for your own success, survival, and happiness.
1:06:05 - 1:13:37 (07:32)
Summary
This podcast discusses the Objectivist philosophy and explains how the purpose of morality is to provide you with a code of values and virtues to guide your life for your own success, survival, and happiness. The speaker also rejects the idea of living for other people and talks about the importance of embracing one's sexuality.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The American system of government emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, with an explicit goal of pursuing individual happiness.
1:13:37 - 1:22:16 (08:38)
Summary
The American system of government emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, with an explicit goal of pursuing individual happiness. The role of the government is to secure this freedom and create an environment where individuals are free to reason and think.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in science or mathematics as it delves into the meaning of holding concepts and discovering new ideas.
1:22:17 - 1:30:10 (07:53)
Summary
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in science or mathematics as it delves into the meaning of holding concepts and discovering new ideas. Ayn Rand believed that understanding mathematics could provide insight into philosophy and epistemology.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the challenges of having an open mind in the internet and how audiences should understand nuanced views in politics.
1:30:10 - 1:36:09 (05:59)
Summary
The speaker discusses the challenges of having an open mind in the internet and how audiences should understand nuanced views in politics. He emphasizes how people should be willing to participate in funding for education for poor children under capitalism.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Despite the overall improvement in quality of life, individual experiences may feel worse due to the knowledge of greater possibilities.
1:36:10 - 1:44:46 (08:35)
Summary
Despite the overall improvement in quality of life, individual experiences may feel worse due to the knowledge of greater possibilities. Expertise in all areas of life is impossible to attain as an individual.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The way people relate to others is based on the conclusions they draw, and resentment can be learned from others.
1:44:46 - 1:50:22 (05:36)
Summary
The way people relate to others is based on the conclusions they draw, and resentment can be learned from others. People don't necessarily resent unless they're taught to, according to the speaker.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The disappearance of good ideas can lead to violence, resentment, tribalism, and primitiveness while the development of bad ideas can result in the resentment of others and a desire for their possessions.
1:50:23 - 1:58:57 (08:33)
Summary
The disappearance of good ideas can lead to violence, resentment, tribalism, and primitiveness while the development of bad ideas can result in the resentment of others and a desire for their possessions.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The belief that morality requires sacrifice and suffering for others can lead to the idea that happiness and morality are incompatible.
1:58:58 - 2:03:49 (04:51)
Summary
The belief that morality requires sacrifice and suffering for others can lead to the idea that happiness and morality are incompatible. However, enjoying doing things for others does not make one's actions any less moral, rather it might even make them more so.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The philosophy of objectivism emphasizes the importance of loving your life and your engagement with the world, including having win-win relationships with others and promoting the best in people.
2:03:49 - 2:10:54 (07:05)
Summary
The philosophy of objectivism emphasizes the importance of loving your life and your engagement with the world, including having win-win relationships with others and promoting the best in people. It is a morality of selfishness that encourages the pursuit of individual happiness and success in a mutually beneficial way with others.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to winning in life is not through a win-lose mentality, but through finding mutually beneficial solutions that lead to a win-win outcome.
2:10:54 - 2:15:45 (04:50)
Summary
The key to winning in life is not through a win-lose mentality, but through finding mutually beneficial solutions that lead to a win-win outcome. This applies to all aspects of life, including relationships.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The philosophy of Iron man is both practical and moral.
2:15:46 - 2:19:12 (03:26)
Summary
The philosophy of Iron man is both practical and moral. The moral is the practical and the practical is the moral.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discussion covers the application of objective reality and capitalism to mutually agreed upon institutions and the hiring of forces to protect society from violence.
2:19:12 - 2:23:09 (03:57)
Summary
This podcast discussion covers the application of objective reality and capitalism to mutually agreed upon institutions and the hiring of forces to protect society from violence. The hosts also touch upon the difficulty of proving which conception of property is correct.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of intellectual property is challenged as a flawed system because the idea of ownership is subjective and varies between individuals and institutions.
2:23:09 - 2:27:16 (04:07)
Summary
The concept of intellectual property is challenged as a flawed system because the idea of ownership is subjective and varies between individuals and institutions.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of force is prevalent in nature and often used as a means of resolving disputes.
2:27:16 - 2:31:20 (04:03)
Summary
The concept of force is prevalent in nature and often used as a means of resolving disputes. This is evidenced by the many videos found on the Nature's Metal Instagram channel showcasing animals using force to resolve conflicts.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses his concerns about society's dependence on the government's stimulus plans rather than becoming self-sufficient.
2:31:20 - 2:34:27 (03:07)
Summary
The speaker expresses his concerns about society's dependence on the government's stimulus plans rather than becoming self-sufficient. He emphasizes the value of hard work and individual effort in creating successful projects, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The enlightenment led to the rise of individualism and respect for reason, and it is crucial to teach individuals to value and exercise their own thinking to achieve self-esteem.
2:34:29 - 2:42:18 (07:49)
Summary
The enlightenment led to the rise of individualism and respect for reason, and it is crucial to teach individuals to value and exercise their own thinking to achieve self-esteem. Despite the tribalism that exists, valuing reason remains an important aspect of society.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The enlightenment introduced reason as a tool to understand the laws of motion and truth in the world, but it's also important for decision-making and discovering things about the world.
2:42:18 - 2:45:27 (03:08)
Summary
The enlightenment introduced reason as a tool to understand the laws of motion and truth in the world, but it's also important for decision-making and discovering things about the world.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues that critical race theory negates the value of free will and reason, urging listeners to understand the complexity of their own minds and embrace reason in order to discover truth and reality.
2:45:27 - 2:51:14 (05:46)
Summary
The speaker argues that critical race theory negates the value of free will and reason, urging listeners to understand the complexity of their own minds and embrace reason in order to discover truth and reality.
Episode#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses their optimism for the future, citing the widespread acceptance of scientific and technological progress.
2:51:13 - 2:53:24 (02:10)
Summary
The speaker expresses their optimism for the future, citing the widespread acceptance of scientific and technological progress. However, an advertisement for Blinkist, ExpressVPN, and Cash App interrupts the speech.