

The Rational Egoist
The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz
The Rational Egoist podcast aims to explore the philosophy of rational egoism and how it can be applied in our daily lives. Hosted by Michael Liebowitz and produced by Xenia Ioannou with experts in the field of philosophy, psychology, and economics, the podcast will provide listeners with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the benefits of rational egoism.
Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission
Copyright of all audio, printed material and colour schemes including logos, owned exclusively by Michael Liebowitz and Xenia Ioannou and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 22, 2023 • 48min
The Rational Egoist: Debating Objectivist Ethics with Professor Michael Huemer and Host Michael Liebowitz
The Rational Egoist: Debating Objectivist Ethics with Professor Michael Huemer and Host Michael Liebowitz
Welcome this episode of "The Rational Egoist," a stimulating podcast with host Michael Liebowitz, where philosophical concepts, ethical frameworks, and the power of choice are brought to the fore. In this episode, Michael engages in a thought-provoking debate with Professor Michael Huemer, a respected professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a strong proponent of ethical intuitionism, direct realism, and libertarianism.
The central point of discussion is the contentious Objectivist Ethics. Professor Huemer, known as one of the most ardent critics of Objectivism, disagrees with using 'life' as the standard by which morality is judged. The debate heats up as Liebowitz passionately argues for the necessity of a standard to measure from, drawing analogies with health and physical attributes to drive home his point.In their discourse, they reflect on Ayn Rand's philosophy, emphasising her use of 'life' as a standard of value. The conversation evolves into an exploration of the implications of this philosophy. What happens when we value life?
What does it mean for our actions and their moral implications?They delve into the concept of a 'life force' that all living things possess, behaving in ways that promote and extend this force for as long as possible. According to this view, valuing life leads to actions that promote life and avoid death.This conversation extends beyond just knowledge, delving into 'evaluation'—a different type of cognition. It's not just about understanding; it's about weighing and assessing.In this compelling discussion, both Michael Liebowitz and Professor Huemer grapple with the question of whether morality requires choice, reaching a consensus that for an action to be right or wrong, morality is necessary, and humans, unlike animals, can choose their behaviours.
Tune in to "The Rational Egoist" for this engaging debate on Objectivist Ethics. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of their actions and decisions.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason.
In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand.
He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 22, 2023 • 48min
The Rational Egoist: Navigating Emotions, Philosophy, and Free Will James Steven Valliant
The Rational Egoist: Navigating Emotions, Philosophy, and Free Will James Steven Valliant
Discover the intriguing world of your mind with "The Rational Egoist," a captivating podcast that takes you on a journey into the fascinating realms of emotions, philosophy, and subconscious cognition. In this podcast, Michael is delighted to feature his guest, James Steven Valliant, a renowned Objectivist, author, and advocate of Ayn Rand's philosophy.
Valliant's extensive work at the Ayn Rand Centre UK and his unique insights into Objectivism offer a profound depth to the exploration of rational self-interest and its impact on our daily lives.Through engrossing dialogues, Michael and James unveil the role of the subconscious mind in retaining and recalling information, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how emotions and memory intertwine with subconscious processes. As you delve into the psychology of unresolved emotions and learn about their automatic emergence in response to our evaluations, you'll gain a clearer understanding of how these perceptions significantly influence our emotional state.The podcast doesn't shy away from difficult topics either.
Explore how childhood experiences and early assessments can profoundly shape our adult behaviours and thought patterns, potentially leading to internalised trauma or detrimental habits. But there's a path to overcoming these challenges. "The Rational Egoist" is here to equip you with strategies to navigate your subconscious beliefs and pave the way for informed decision-making.Enjoy rich conversations about the functional aspects of emotions, the role of motivation and enjoyment in our lives, and the unexpected influence of stress on memory enhancement. Immerse yourself in the discourse on free will, understanding how we can exercise control over our limitations, subconscious beliefs, and fears, thanks to the inherent power of volition.
Drawing inspiration from Aristotle's concept of second nature and Ayn Rand's psycho-epistemology, "The Rational Egoist" aims to empower you on your journey toward rational self-discovery and personal growth. It's about learning, unlearning, and integrating a more rational belief system into your daily life. Join Michael Liebowitz and James Steven Valliant on "The Rational Egoist" and unlock the power of your mind.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand.
Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand.
He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 19, 2023 • 37min
Unveiling Stigma: Navigating Addiction and Treatment in the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Jonathan Avery
Unveiling Stigma: Navigating Addiction and Treatment in the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Jonathan Avery
Join host Michael Liebowitz in this illuminating episode of The Rational Egoist as he welcomes guest Dr. Jonathan Avery, a leading specialist in addiction psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York. They dive deep into the heart of the opioid epidemic, focusing on the intense stigmatisation that surrounds substance abuse.
Discussing the paradox of our societal attitudes, they explore why substance abuse is often stigmatised more harshly than other health and mental health issues, and how this stigma contributes to an insidious cycle of secrecy and suffering for those affected.
Avery explains the deadly nature of this silent struggle, with alarming rates of overdoses marking the epidemic's toll.In an unexpected twist, they highlight that alcohol, the most common driver of hospitalisation and death due to substance misuse, manages to evade such stigmatisation.
How does society differentiate between alcohol and other substances, and what impact does this dichotomy have on those struggling with addiction?As they delve into possible solutions, Dr. Avery shares insights on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms to overcome addiction. Furthermore, they explore the unfair societal reactions towards relapse in addiction compared to other diseases like cancer.
Finally, while acknowledging the harmful effects of certain drug policies, they discuss promising advancements in addiction treatment and research, offering hope to those in the throes of this battle. Tune in for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation on a critical public health issue.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand.
After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 18, 2023 • 42min
The Rational Egoist: Navigating Political Landscapes with Prof. Bryan Caplan
The Rational Egoist: Navigating Political Landscapes with Prof. Bryan Caplan
In this episode, our host Michael Liebowitz is joined by esteemed economist, Professor Bryan Caplan, to unravel the complex spectrum of political ideologies that exist today. Professor Caplan brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, drawing on historical perspectives, economic theories, and his latest book, “Voters as Mad Scientists: Essays on Political Irrationality."
The discussion kicks off by tracing the roots of political left and right ideologies back to the French Revolution. Professor Caplan provides a historical take, characterising the left as those who seek change through drastic measures such as those who started the french revolution by blaming the rich, while the right is painted as the defenders of individual freedoms and peace.The conversation then turns towards a psychological perspective – the role of jealousy as a catalyst for political antipathy.
They explore how jealousy, when politicised, can morph into philosophies like Marxism and socialism. This jealousy, they argue, is often directed towards successful merchants, more so than monarchs, as their success can undermine the excuses of those who have achieved less.Despite this stark analysis, the episode ends on a hopeful note with discussions on market optimism.
Prof. Caplan elucidates the resilience of the free market, even in the face of socialist attempts at disruption. However, he exhibits less optimism for the political realm, where both sides, he argues, are sliding towards socialist policies.Their final, thought-provoking point questions the act of voting and whether time might be better spent pursuing individual passions.
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in exploring politics from a unique, historical and psychological standpoint. Tune in for an enlightening hour that will challenge your preconceptions and broaden your perspective on politics and economics.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.
Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 17, 2023 • 47min
The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz: Rediscovering Objectivism in Today's Society with Dr Harry Binswanger
The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz: Rediscovering Objectivism in Today's Society with Dr Harry Binswanger
Join host Michael Liebowitz in this inspiring discussion as he interviews influential objectivist philosopher, author, and lecturer, Harry Binswanger. In "The Rational Egoist," they explore the relevance of Objectivism in our current society and its impact on individual lives. Objectivism, a Philosophy for Living On Earth, emphasizes that one's life belongs to oneself and the ultimate good is to live it fully.
During the podcast, Liebowitz and Binswanger delve into the erosion of reason and the influence of philosopher Emanuel Kant, who separated reason from reality through flawed arguments. They examine how this separation has led intellectuals astray, embracing socialism instead of embracing the foundations upon which the United States was built—reason and individualism."The Rational Egoist" underscores the significance of reason as the means of acquiring knowledge and achieving survival, contrary to Kant's skepticism.
They discuss the importance of recognizing that the ultimate value lies in one's individual life and that personal happiness and achievement should be the driving forces behind one's actions.
Life's moral code, highlights the value of productive achievement and self-betterment. The podcast underscores that all that which is proper to the life of a rational being is considered good and promotes the pursuit of values that enhance individual existence.Additionally, "The Rational Egoist" explores the concept of rights as a moral entitlement to freedom and self-ownership. The podcast challenges misconceptions surrounding rights, emphasizing that they are not inherent at birth or bestowed by a higher power. Instead, rights are moral principles that define and safeguard an individual's freedom of action in a social context.Liebowitz and Binswanger make a compelling case for laissez-faire capitalism, the only system grounded in the principles of rights and individual liberty. They discuss the stark contrast between the current societal structure and the ideal of true freedom, where government's role is limited to defense and the protection of individuals' rights."The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz" offers a thought-provoking exploration of Objectivism's relevance in contemporary society.
Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the podcast aims to inspire listeners to rediscover the power of reason, individualism, and the pursuit of a life grounded in rational self-interest.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 12, 2023 • 52min
The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz: Debating Theism from an Objectivist Perspective with Benjamin Seevers
The Rational Egoist with Michael Liebowitz: Debating Theism from an Objectivist Perspective with Benjamin Seevers
Join host Michael Liebowitz as he engages in a lively debate with Benjamin Seevers on theism in this intellectually stimulating episode of "The Rational Egoist." Michael challenges Benjamin's assertion that God is an immaterial rational creator. The conversation revolves around the role of rationality, the burden of proof, and the axiomatic nature of human existence and consciousness. Through a rational examination of arguments and concepts, this podcast episode aims to shed light on the compatibility (or lack thereof) between theism and the principles of Objectivism.
Episode Highlights:
Michael presents the argument that rationality is dependent on physicality, emphasizing that thought requires a brain, which is a physical organ.
Benjamin defends theism by claiming that God is an undeniable axiom and uses a Cartesian argument, asking how one can be certain of God's non-existence.
Michael counters Benjamin's claims by stating that the existence of an evil Demon is baseless without rational justification.
Benjamin asserts that the human mind cannot arise randomly, while Michael clarifies that evolution follows the principles of cause and effect, dismissing the notion of randomness.
The axiomatic concepts of existence and consciousness, as outlined by Ayn Rand, are explored as foundations for rational thought, yet they do not inherently prove or disprove the existence of a creator.
Michael argues that while humans learn from universal laws, the idea of an intervening entity goes against these laws and fails to provide evidence for the existence of God.
Takeaways: Listeners will gain insights into the clash of ideas between evidence based reasoning and theism, exploring the rationality of religious beliefs and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. By delving into the core principles of objective philosophy and questioning the claims made by Benjamin Seevers, "The Rational Egoist" presents a thought-provoking examination of theism from an Objectivist perspective.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand.
Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.
Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 12, 2023 • 44min
The Rational Egoist: Exploring Education, Rights, and Parental Choice with Manju Gerber
The Rational Egoist: Exploring Education, Rights, and Parental Choice with Manju Gerber
Join host Michael Liebowitz on "The Rational Egoist" podcast as he delves into thought-provoking discussions about education, individual rights, and parental autonomy. In this episode, Michael interviews Manju Gerber, the President of Moms for Liberty at Hartford County, CT, a group for parents seeking to make introduce a new education system to align with their values.
The conversation takes an interesting turn when they explore the concept of rights and how it relates to education. Manju argues that certain aspects of the curriculum, such as racial education, sex education, and LGBTQ education, violate a child's rights. However, Michael challenges this viewpoint by emphasising the that true rights encompass the freedom to not attend school at all or to abstain from specific subjects, rights do not encompass just one viewpoint.
True rights would focus on advocating for a separation of education from government control, granting parents the ultimate authority to decide what their child learns. While the group Manju represents seeks reforms within the current system, Michael raises the critical point that their cause is more about parental choice and individual preferences than true liberty and rights.
Join "The Rational Egoist" with Michael Liebowitz and explore the intriguing dynamics of education, rights, and parental decision-making in a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating conversation with Manju Gerber, from Moms for Liberty.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.
Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 9, 2023 • 36min
The Rational Egoist: Overcoming Eating Disorders with Tracey Zito
The Rational Egoist: Overcoming Eating Disorders with Tracey Zito
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Tracey Zito, a fitness and well-being advocate, who shares her personal journey of overcoming anorexia nervosa and overeating. Tracey talks about her struggles with body image, perfectionism, and fear of judgement, and how she was able to let go of these destructive tendencies to tap into her own perspective and feelings about herself. Through her journey, she was able to improve her self-image and her relationship with food and others. Tune in to hear Tracey's inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery, and how rational self-interest played a role in her journey to a healthier and happier life.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand.
Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.
Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 9, 2023 • 40min
The Rational Egoist - The Failure of Corrections: A Personal Account with Kimathy Khama Watson
The Rational Egoist - The Failure of Corrections: A Personal Account with Kimathy Khama Watson
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Leibowitz interviews Kimathi Khama Watson about his personal experience with the failures of the correctional system.
Kimathi spent 24 years in prison and shares his insights on the culture of corrections and the personal vendettas that can arise among correctional officers. They discuss how even inmates who have not done anything wrong can be subjected to strip searches on a daily basis, which can hinder their progress and lead to a culture of superiority among correctional officers.
The discussion also touches on the difficulty of undoing this culture, given the protection of the officers' union and a lack of societal concern for those within the system. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges within the correctional system.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason.
In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews.
Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest.
Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.

May 5, 2023 • 44min
The Rational Egoist: The Myth of Mental Illness and the Therapeutic State with Jeffrey Schaler
The Rational Egoist: The Myth of Mental Illness and the Therapeutic State with Jeffrey Schaler
In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Jeffrey Schaler, author of "Szasz Under Fire," to discuss Thomas Szasz's psychology and his belief that mental illness is a myth. They delve into the concept of involuntary psychiatry and the notion that no one should be forced into treatment.
They explore the idea that mental health is an existential problem of living and that individuals must be free to make their own decisions.Schaler argues that even with mental illness, people still have the free will to make good decisions.
He challenges the notion that just because someone hears a voice telling them to do something, it means they must do it. Schaler also questions the validity of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or anxiety, as physical malfunctions since the mind cannot be identified through an autopsy.The conversation also touches on the idea of gender being a subjective experience of being male or female, while sex is the biological component.
They discuss how branding someone as mentally ill due to identifying as a different gender takes away their freedom of speech and uses psychology as law.The episode concludes with a discussion on addiction and the belief that it is not a disease, but rather a volitional behavior that people can control. Liebowitz and Schaler argue that psychology has become an extension of the law, and that psychologists cannot know with certainty who may harm themselves or others. They challenge the idea that statistics are used in courts to remove responsibility and plead insanity, and emphasize the importance of individual freedom and responsibility in mental health treatment.
Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand.
After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism.
In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.


