Lex Fridman Podcast

#138 – Yaron Brook: Ayn Rand and the Philosophy of Objectivism

Nov 13, 2020

Yaron Brook, an Objectivist philosopher and chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute, dives into the principles of Objectivism, emphasizing individualism and reason. He discusses the impact of free will on living a fulfilling life while critiquing current psychological understandings. Brook also explores the complexities of capitalism and challenges conventional notions of morality, advocating for a redefinition of selfishness aligned with personal happiness. The conversation delves into Ayn Rand's journey and the philosophical foundations crucial for a balanced society.

02:53:46

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Episode guests

Yaron Brook

Highlights

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Episode notes

The Billionaire Doesn't Ask for My Opinion on What Product to Launch

01:11

The Virtue of Selfishness

01:23

What Is Subjectivism?

01:06

The Natural State of Being for Us Humans

01:11

Intro

2min

Exploring Objectivism: Ayn Rand's Legacy

4min

The Power of Rational Living

14min

Exploring Perception and Reality Through Objectivism

3min

The Quest for Objective Truth

6min

Ayn Rand: From Russia to Hollywood

6min

Exploring Literature, Philosophy, and Individualism

24min

Exploring Ayn Rand's Philosophy

26min

Mathematics, Philosophy, and the Limits of Truth

8min

10.

Challenging Capitalism's Complexities

23min

11.

Redefining Morality: The Virtue of Selfishness

20min

12.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Governance

14min

13.

Philosophical Reflections on COVID-19's Impact

5min

14.

Rationality vs. Tribalism: Embracing Objectivism

13min

15.

Exploring Objectivism: The Impact of Reason and Individualism on Progress

4min

Yaron Brook is a objectivist philosopher, podcaster, and author. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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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

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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

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