Thanks for sharing. I appreciate reading differing views because it reminds me that my way of thinking is very limited to one view point.
With that said, could you help me understand that Randian way of thinking? It is not something I know much about.
You shared this quote from Ayn Rand:
"Happiness is possible only to a rational man, … who finds his joy in nothing but rational actions. There's nothing of any importance in life - except how well you do your work. Nothing. Only that.”
With this in mind, if I am heading outside and the UV spectrum is at a 7, then the rational thing would be to put on sunscreen. So by putting on sunscreen, is therein where my happiness lies?
Or if I am riding a bike, and I know that an exposed head during an accident exposes me to much greater risks, then wearing a helmet is the rational answer. Putting on the helmet is where I find my happiness?
Am I understanding correctly?
Perhaps these are too simple examples, but they are just what came to mind.
Thanks for reading, Cubicle (lol what do I call you)
Re: Rand -- the idea isn't so much that you gain meaning from taking rational actions, but rather that you live a *productive* life, and rationality is your greatest weapon in executing against that goal faithfully. So, while putting on sunscreen or wearing a helmet are rational actions, because they aren't really productive actions, Rand would probably say that those lack the sufficient conditions for them to bear the weight of "meaning".
That said, you bring up an excellent point here, and it points to a qualm I have about Ayn Rand's philosophy - her work has little to say about most of life. Yes, her philosophy is a wonderful way to make productive work meaningful, and given we do spend most of our life doing these sorts of productive things (both in work and outside of work), that may be where the bulk of your meaning comes from. But I personally find meaning in so many other things, and her philosophy either has (a) no room for those things or (b) has nothing to say about them, both of which, in my opinion, leave her philosophy a bit wanting.
Thanks for your response. That makes more sense. Regarding name, I need to create a personal profile. For now, Cubicle, Cubicle Farm, CF are all fine. If you feel more comfortable using my actual name, then Jeff or Jeffrey work too.
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate reading differing views because it reminds me that my way of thinking is very limited to one view point.
With that said, could you help me understand that Randian way of thinking? It is not something I know much about.
You shared this quote from Ayn Rand:
"Happiness is possible only to a rational man, … who finds his joy in nothing but rational actions. There's nothing of any importance in life - except how well you do your work. Nothing. Only that.”
With this in mind, if I am heading outside and the UV spectrum is at a 7, then the rational thing would be to put on sunscreen. So by putting on sunscreen, is therein where my happiness lies?
Or if I am riding a bike, and I know that an exposed head during an accident exposes me to much greater risks, then wearing a helmet is the rational answer. Putting on the helmet is where I find my happiness?
Am I understanding correctly?
Perhaps these are too simple examples, but they are just what came to mind.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Cubicle (lol what do I call you)
Re: Rand -- the idea isn't so much that you gain meaning from taking rational actions, but rather that you live a *productive* life, and rationality is your greatest weapon in executing against that goal faithfully. So, while putting on sunscreen or wearing a helmet are rational actions, because they aren't really productive actions, Rand would probably say that those lack the sufficient conditions for them to bear the weight of "meaning".
That said, you bring up an excellent point here, and it points to a qualm I have about Ayn Rand's philosophy - her work has little to say about most of life. Yes, her philosophy is a wonderful way to make productive work meaningful, and given we do spend most of our life doing these sorts of productive things (both in work and outside of work), that may be where the bulk of your meaning comes from. But I personally find meaning in so many other things, and her philosophy either has (a) no room for those things or (b) has nothing to say about them, both of which, in my opinion, leave her philosophy a bit wanting.
Thanks for your response. That makes more sense. Regarding name, I need to create a personal profile. For now, Cubicle, Cubicle Farm, CF are all fine. If you feel more comfortable using my actual name, then Jeff or Jeffrey work too.