A Few Last Words About Ayn Rand

Paul Ryan, who many people would like to place a heartbeat away from the White House, has disavowed Ayn Rand, who he once said was his inspiration, so much so that he ordered his staff to read her books and claimed he modeled his actions in Congress on her philosophy. Now he says he still likes her emphasis  on self-reliance but rejects her atheism. 

Charity is counter-productive, indeed immoral, Ayn Rand said, because it denies the recipient of it that sense of self-worth that is the most important possession anyone can have. It fosters dependence and passivity, rather than the independent spirit that makes progress and prosperity possible. 

There are exceptional people, people of talent and intelligence, and they must not submit to the mediocre who somehow often find themselves in positions of influence. That stunts development, makes people unhappy, and ultimately ruins a country or a civilization.

Well, I think that's the devil's argument. It's just plausible enough to convince those who want a rationale for their own hard-heartedness and greed. If I turn you away from my door when you're cold and  sick and hungry, it's not because I don't care, it's for your own good, as you'll surely appreciate someday, if you live long enough, which doesn't seem likely. If I reject taxation to pay for schools it's because I believe the best education comes from private schools. (Besides, what we save on schools is needed to build more prisons.)

It is the absolute antithesis of the Judeo-Christian cultural tradition most of us consider our moral bedrock.

In its extreme form, part of Ayn Rand's philosophy is remarkably similar to the fuhrer prinzip formulated by nineteenth century  German thinkers. Great men arise from time to time, they said, and sweep all others before them. These great men are not constrained by normal standards of conduct, they have a historical mission to accomplish, and nothing must interfere with them. No mediocrity can hold  them back, it's immoral for anyone to try to thwart them, and any that do deserve whatever fate the man of destiny decides for them.

We all know who was the self-appointed epitome of this "world historical figure" idea.

Now, can we consign Ayn Rand back to her grave and let her rest in peace? And can we send Paul Ryan back to Jaynesville Wisconsin to enjoy more of the independent private life he wants so much?