The Rational Egoist Sense Perception and Volition with James Valliant
Jim Valliant and Michael Continue Their Series on Using Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand as a Guide to Self-Improvement. In This Episode, They Dive Into Chapter Two: “Sense Perception and Volition.”
In this new instalment, Michael and Jim explore how the most fundamental aspects of human awareness shape everything from our daily decisions to our long-range ambitions.
They take listeners through the core insights of Chapter Two—how we grasp reality through our senses, how automatic perception differs from chosen cognition, and why volition is the root of every meaningful act of self-improvement.
This isn’t an academic detour. It’s a conversation about what it means to live with your eyes open—what it means to build your life on facts rather than feelings, and to recognise that the choice to think is the first moral choice you ever make.
Whether you’re new to Ayn Rand’s philosophy or using OPAR as a personal roadmap, this episode offers a clear, grounded discussion on the tools you already possess: a reality-oriented consciousness and the ability to direct it.
About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist
Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.
His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.
He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:
Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime
https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X
View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty
https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj
About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist
Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.
As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.
Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.
Join us at:
https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/
(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)
Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays on Substack:
https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu
#TheRationalEgoist #AynRand #OPAR #ObjectivistPhilosophy #Reason #Volition #SelfImprovement #PhilosophyPodcast #Individualism #RationalLiving