The Rational Egoist

The Rational Egoist: Debunking the False Premise of ESG Funds with Lipton Matthews In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews researcher and Mises publications contributor, Lipton Matthews, to discuss the false premise of ESG funds. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and is a type of emotional investment fund that appeals to wokeism rather than proper economics. Matthews provides an objectivist perspective by arguing that the principal purpose of a business is to create value for shareholders, and any concerns beyond that are irrelevant to the proper functioning of the market. The conversation centers on how ESG funds are based on the false premise that businesses should be responsible for addressing social and environmental issues. Matthews argues that ESG funds undermine the efficiency of the market by prioritizing non-financial criteria over financial performance, leading to lower returns for investors. He also reveals that economic analysis of ESG funds has shown that companies with ESG funds generally underperform those without them. Matthews explains that ESG funds are generally an emotional appeasement to the woke movement, rather than a sound economic choice. He contends that ESG funds are not linked to the purpose of a business, which is making money, and are a political movement rather than an economic or entrepreneurial movement. Matthews also argues that wokeism is similar to Marxism and based on utilitarian utopia, almost like a religion. He emphasizes that economic freedom produces better economic growth than good governance, and people who do not understand capitalism do not realize that the houses they live in and the cheap goods they buy are due to capitalism. Overall, this episode of The Rational Egoist provides a critical analysis of ESG funds from an objectivist perspective, debunking their false premise and arguing for the importance of economic freedom and sound economic decision-making in the proper functioning of the market. 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.

The Rational Egoist: Navigating Schisms in the Liberty Movement with Scott Schiff from The Atlas Society Description: In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz sits down with Scott Schiff from The Atlas Society to discuss the schisms within the liberty movement. The liberty movement has experienced several schisms, including anarcho-capitalism, open and closed Objectivist systems, and libertarianism. These schisms have led to heated debates and disagreements among those seeking freedom, resulting in the banning of people from different groups due to intellectual differences. However, what is often missed in these debates is the fundamental belief shared by all freedom seekers - the belief that there should be no initiation of force against others, and that people have a right to their own life. Michael and Scott highlight the importance of focusing on the bigger picture and recognizing that there are only a few people in the world who follow morality based on Ayn Rands ideas. The liberty movement aims to change the philosophy of society to change the government, and the philosophical route that somebody takes to arrive at a conclusion that is in line with this morality should not be relevant. Instead of invalidating the entire person, individuals should be able to disagree with a point that someone has made without resorting to conflict. The hosts question why rational people go to war with each other against intellectual disagreements and ignore the looters who are the real problem. The schisms within the liberty movement have created a Civil War-like situation, where individuals are excluded from different groups due to simple intellectual disagreements. The fundamental philosophical ideas that people have, such as life being a standard of value and the purpose of the government being to protect individual rights, should be enough for people to remain civil and fight the real problem - those who use government to destroy freedom. In conclusion, this episode of The Rational Egoist highlights the importance of focusing on the bigger picture, recognizing the fundamental beliefs that shared by all who believe in liberty, and remaining civil in the face of intellectual disagreements. Schisms within liberty ideas should not lead to conflict, and individuals should recognize that they are all on the same side in fighting leftist ideology. 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.

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Differences Between Conservatism and Libertarianism with Joe Markley In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael Liebowitz interviews Joe Markley, former Connecticut state senator, on the differences between conservatism and libertarianism. They delve into the fundamental principles of libertarianism, which prioritize the protection of individual rights and property. They contrast this with conservatism's emphasis on tradition and preservation of the status quo.The conversation touches on various issues, including qualified immunity, zoning laws, minimum wage, the war on drugs, and immigration. They discuss how these policies impact individual liberty and minority groups, and how they are often grounded in a collectivist attitude.Joe Markley highlights how conservatism sometimes struggles to identify the root cause of problems and is therefore less effective in addressing them. Meanwhile, libertarianism's focus on individualism and property rights allows for a more comprehensive approach to policy-making. Tune in to The Rational Egoist to gain insights on the philosophical differences between conservatism and libertarianism and how they inform policies that affect our daily lives. 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.

The Rational Egoist: The Case Against Protectionism and the Path to Laissez-Faire Capitalism In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews James Hohman, Director of Fiscal Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, to discuss the detrimental effects of protectionism on free trade and the economy. They delve into the definition and examples of protectionism and its anti-capitalist nature. The conversation explores the importance of wealth through goods and services being traded and how protectionism can hinder this exchange. The discussion shifts to the steps that can be taken to help countries move towards more capitalism, with a focus on incremental change and the ultimate goal of laissez-faire capitalism. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the case against protectionism and the path towards a more prosperous economy. 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.

The Rational Egoist: Exploring the Link between Irrationality and Nihilism in Today's Culture with Dave Goodman Description: Join Michael Liebowitz in this episode of The Rational Egoist as he interviews Dave Goodman, delving into the root cause of the nihilistic nature of our culture. They discuss the profound impact of irrationality on the rise of nihilism, and how the wrong or bad philosophy can fuel this negative trend. They also examine the role of reason in rationalizing one's life and avoiding bad results, as well as the importance of the principle of non-contradiction in upholding individual rights. Listen in as they shed light on the dangers of subjectivism and the chaos that results from embracing contradiction. 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.

The Rational Egoist: Understanding Transgender Identity with Ashley Stahl In this episode of The Rational Egoist, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Ashley Stahl, a transgender woman, to discuss the objective definition of words and whether a trans woman is actually a woman. Ashley shares her personal journey of transformation, living with gender dysphoria, and making the choice to transition into a gender that aligns with her identity. The discussion delves into how society can accept and include individuals with gender dysphoria, as well as the effects of online bullying and the importance of treating individuals with respect and dignity. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of transgender identity and how to approach this topic with objectivity and compassion. 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.

In this episode of The Rational Egoist Podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Gabrielle Bauer, the author of the book Blindsight is 2020, about Covid dissidents and the philosophical implications of Covid policies. T hey delve into the idea that socialism has turned science into a religion to follow instead of realizing that science is based on information that is constantly changing. They discuss how individualism was not considered in the Covid policies, which led to both vaccine mandates and delays, ultimately resulting in government intervention on both sides. The conversation also touches on the shaming and bullying that occurred during the pandemic, as people were judged and put into boxes based on their mask-wearing habits. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of philosophy and Covid policies. 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.

The Rational Egoist - Evidence-based Correction Practices to Reduce Recidivism In this episode of The Rational Egoist podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Debi Koetzle, author of "What Works and What Doesn’t in Recidivism." Together, they discuss evidence-based correction practices to reduce recidivism, or the likelihood of reoffending. They delve into the core issues behind criminal behaviour, addressing criminogenic needs, and the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy to promote prosocial behaviour. They also debunk ineffective correctional practices, such as inconsistent punishment and empty praise, and highlight the value of accountability in reforming offenders. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on reducing recidivism and promoting positive change. 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.

The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin In this episode of The Rational Egoist Podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, on the constitutionality of immigration laws. They delve into the fact that there is nothing in the Constitution that gives the government the right to regulate or restrict immigration, and that this assumption is inferred to exist from the government's sovereign power. They also discuss the origins of immigration laws, such as the indentured servitude contract that many immigrants had to sign in the past, and the unconstitutional Chinese exclusion laws that were based on racist fears. They argue that people crossing borders should not be restricted because they have individual human rights and the right to pursue a better life in another country. Furthermore, they debunk common myths about immigrants, such as the assumption that they will automatically receive citizenship or overburden the welfare state. They point out that citizenship and immigration are separate issues, and that immigrants are restricted from receiving welfare benefits for a certain period of time. They also argue that the welfare state is unconstitutional, as it uses the labor of one person to pay for another, and that restrictions on welfare eligibility should apply to everyone, not just immigrants. They also address the fears that people have regarding immigration, such as drug trafficking and overburdening the welfare state. They argue that these fears are unfounded, as individuals cannot be assumed to be drug dealers without conviction and statistics have shown that immigrants produce more than they use in terms of welfare benefits. They also point out that many immigrants have contributed to the economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, they argue that limiting the power of government to both grant welfare and reduce immigration is the better argument, and that people have the inalienable right to seek a better life. They criticize the government's use of power to force people to live in oppressive situations, such as Venezuela and Cuba, and stress the importance of individual human rights and freedoms 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.

Rational Egoist Podcast: Ludwig von Mises and the Failure of Socialism In this episode of Rational Egoist podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Dr. Mark Thornton, a senior fellow with the Ludwig von Mises Institute and an American economist of the Austrian school. Dr. Thornton provides a free audiobook titled "The Skyscraper Curse" for subscribers, which can be accessed through this link: https://mises.org/library/skyscraper-curse. The conversation centers on Ludwig von Mises' economic theories and their application to socialism. The discussion covers how government intervention, such as manipulating the money supply and price controls, misleads entrepreneurs and puts investors and capitalists at personal risk. The Great Depression is also analysed, with government intervention being blamed for its cause, not capitalism. The mainstream media is discussed for its sensationalism and misrepresentation of real economics as it is not in the business of educating the masses on economics and will just spread misinformation regarding socialist ideologies. Dr. Thornton explains that the federal reserve paints a false picture that more regulation and intervention are needed when a free market capitalist economy is the only solution. Mises demonstrated that socialism does not work, not even in theory, as a free market economy requires private property and the exchange of value through prices. Socialism uses up resources, while capitalism produces more resources and creates new things. The failure of communism is examined, with the Soviet Union collapsing due to one central control guessing what is needed instead of measuring supply and demand through prices. The Rational Egoist podcast offers a thought-provoking discussion on economics from the perspectie of Ludwig Von Mises . 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.