On Objectivism Some years ago, I wrote that we had reached a moment in history when self-esteem, which had always been a supremely important psychological need, had become an urgent economic need-the attribute imperative for adaptiveness to an increasingly complex, challenging, and competitive world. In this article, I want to show that, for essentially the same reasons, the ethics of Objectivism has a new relevance and a new urgency in our global, information-age economy. The values and virtues that I have in mind include rationality, realism, respect for facts, self-esteem, independence, autonomy, initiative, creativity, innovativeness, self-responsibility, personal integrity--all of which are celebrated in The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, as well as in Ayn Rand's non-fiction writings. To understand why I assert that these values and virtues have acquired a new urgency, we have to consider in what ways the world of work has changed. In the past several decades, extraordinary developments have occurred in the American and global economies. The United States has shifted from a manufacturing society to an information society. Mind work has replaced physical labor as the dominant employee activity. In addition, we now live in a global economy characterized by rapid change, accelerated scientific and technological breakthroughs, and an unprecedented level of competitiveness. Everyone recognizes that these developments create demands for higher levels of education and training than were required of previous generations. What is not generally recognized is that these developments also create new demands on our psychological resources. Specifically, these developments ask us to bring a greater capacity for innovation, self-management, and personal responsibility-a higher level of consciousness and rationality-to our work activities. This is not just asked at the top. It is asked at every level of a business enterprise, from senior management to first-line supervisor, and even to entry-level personnel. Read Article Related Articles On Objectivism Related Books On Objectivism Related Audio On Objectivism Related Items February 23, 2003: The Objectivist Video Archive Project is presently on hold. If and when the project is moving again, there will be an announcement. Details "Who is an Objectivist?" explores Dr. Branden's perspective on whether Objectivism is an open or closed system. Details "Devers Branden and Ayn Rand" is the story of how Nathaniel's wife Devers developed a short-lived relationship with Ayn Rand in 1980. It was omitted from the final draft of Judgment Day, but is included in My Years with Ayn Rand. Details