On Objectivism

Get your very own Limited Edition Autographed copy of "My Years with Ayn Rand". This incredible autobiographical book charts the course of the clandestine, tempestuous relationship between the enigmatic author of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead and Nathaniel Branden—her young disciple and future pioneer of the self-esteem movement. In this book, discover the real Ayn Rand through the eyes of a man who became her soul mate and shared her passions and philosophical ideals.

[Total Program Length: 1:24.42]

In this special session from TOC's 2004 Summer Seminar, Duncan Scott, producer of the Objectivist History Project, interviews Dr. Branden about his recollections of the history of Objectivism and Ayn Rand as a thinker.

Total file size 43 MB.

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[Total Program Length: 1:46.19]

I am overcoming my natural reticence so that I can tell you about a dialogue that I recorded with my friend, Ken Wilber, entitled (Ken's words) "The Nathaniel Branden Story."

Ken Wilber, as you may know, is regarded by many as the world's leading integral philosopher, where "integral" means comprehensive and inclusive-an attempt to include all perspectives in a larger picture. I regard him as one of the most brilliant minds I have ever encountered.

If you are familiar with Ken's ideas, you know that he and I have our disagreements, much as I admire his work. Ken is a mystic. I am not. (I discuss some of our differences in "The Art of Living Consciously," which didn't stop him from praising the book wildly during our talks. He is a man of deeply generous spirit.) That we should be able to have this incredible dialogue is an example, I think, of the integral spirit in action.

The dialogue is a series of conversations starting with my years with Ayn Rand, moving through my work on the psychology of self-esteem, and ending with "a reasonable spirituality." I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable, engaging, and stimulating series of conversations that I can remember having.

I am happy that, with Ken's permission, I am able to offer the first part of this series of talks on my site.

Total file size 25 MB.

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[Total Program Length: 1:16.49]

What is the role of self-interest with regard to benevolence and respect for the rights of others, in the context of the Objectivist ethics? At TOC's 2000 Summer Seminar, Nathaniel Branden challenge participants to rethink some common assumptions in this area, including the idea that every moral decision should begin with the question, "How does this relate to my self-interest?"

Toal file size 38MB.

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[Total Program Length: 27.34]

Nathaniel Branden discusses the foundations of a free-society. This audio is based on Nathaniel Branden's remarks at the Cato Institute on November 2, 1995, and is available exclusively at nathanielbranden.com.

Total file size 13MB.

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[Total Program Length: 22 min.]

How and why freedom entails responsibility and responsibility entails freedom.

Total file size 11 MB.

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[Total Program Length: 1:07.30]

Inherent in the Objectivist ethics is a vision of human beings who are deeply passionate about their lives. This is the dominant characteristic of the heroes and heroines of Ayn Rand's novels, who exemplify the Objectivist ethics and sense of life, in action. Citing Rand and examples from his own life and work, Dr. Branden shows how the Objectivist vision abounds with affirmations to loving one's life, which are grounded in a dedication to values—to the value of life itself, and to the values that make up life and make it worth living.

Total file size 32 MB.

[Total Program Length: 43 min.]

How and why a free society rests on the ethics of self-responsibility.

Total file size 22 MB.

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[Total Program Length: 1 hr 30 min.]

Abstract: For eighteen years I was a close associate of novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand whose books, notably The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, inspired a philosophical movement known as objectivism. This philosophy places its central emphasis on reason, individualism, enlightened self-interest, political freedom — and a heroic vision of life's possibilities. Following an explosive parting of the ways with Ayn Rand in 1968, I have been asked many times about the nature of our differences. This article is my first public answer to that question. Although agreeing with many of the values of the objectivist philosophy and vision, I discuss the consequences of the absence of an adequate psychology to support this intellectual structure — focusing in particular on the destructive moralism of Rand and many of her followers, a moralism that subtly encourages repression, self-alienation, and guilt. I offer an explanation of the immense appeal of Ayn Rand's philosophy, particularly to the young, and suggest some cautionary observations concerning its adaptation to one's own life.

Total file size 45MB.

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[Total Program Length: 20 min.]

Nathaniel Branden talks about Ayn Rand's work and life in terms of feminist ideas. The audio program is taken from an essay previously published in "A Woman's Self-Esteem", and is availalble exclusively at nathanielbranden.com.

Total file size 10MB.