Zach Schmitt

In this discussion, guest Zach Schmitt, a keen philosopher on Objectivism and its critiques, dives into the intricate relationship between Ayn Rand's ideas and modern versus postmodern thought. They ponder whether individual purpose can coexist with community, questioning Rand's reaction to postmodernism. The conversation critiques Objectivism's rigidity, exploring how mentorship shapes our understanding of reality. Schmitt also skillfully contrasts Rand's philosophies with Christian theology, sparking deeper insights into individualism and social connection.

Zach Schmitt, a student of Russian literature and lay theologian, critiques Ayn Rand's Objectivism while contrasting her ideas with those of Walker Percy and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. He delves into whether individuals truly need societal judgment for self-discovery and questions Rand's claim of unattainable self-knowledge. The conversation also explores the balance between individualism and community, as well as the role of art in expressing truth against a backdrop of cultural influences. Schmitt's insights challenge the idea that autonomy must be devoid of societal connection.