Posted on 03/25/2003 12:25:28 PM PST by Enemy Of The State
Individual important in utopian world based on equality
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Linda Rabadi is a senior piano major and writes ‘Talking About a Revolution’ for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
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Many groups of the political left advocate equality. We want fair treatment for individuals of all walks of life, not just those who are fortunate enough to have been born into a privileged position in our society. But when promoting this equality and striving to design a world where this can exist, we must be careful of what kind of world we create. We the idealists must be cautious of the utopia we hope to form, for in attempting to create true equality, we must not lose personal identity and achievement.
Last weekend, my friend and I were discussing some of the major themes in the work "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. I had read the book for personal enjoyment when I was about fifteen and therefore am slightly foggy on details. However, we talked about one of the major points of the work, the supremacy of the individual and her/his achievements and if that philosophy can work with the ideals of liberal movements. Rand makes the argument that individuals propel history and change, not societies. She glorifies the individual, and looks down on society as a mindless herd, waiting to be told what to do.
I understand where many of Rand's criticisms of society originate. Many times I find myself frustrated with the public and its easy acceptance of so many issues, including the promotion of mediocre art in popular culture, the damaging and common images of minorities in the media, the hatred, competition, and exploitation of other members of humanity, disrespect for our earth, and this new fad of unquestioning patriotism, to name a few. It seems difficult, or even impossible, to advance revolutionary ideas in a place where being comfortable seems to be the ultimate goal, and in a society that is not supportive financially and structurally of creative endeavors and idealism.
But to lose faith in humanity is not the solution. This extreme individualism that Rand encourages is not only unrealistic but also unsatisfying. It would feel better to know that you a working unit in whole society that understands and appreciates positive achievement, rather than to be a member of a small group that is tortured by the ignorance of the outside world. True education works as a tool in obtaining that ideal society.
Members of liberal movements believe that we must have equality in order to gain this ideal world, and I agree. But we should have individuals working in a society, not just one mass entity. Equality does not have to lead to situations where all people are exactly the same, but where they are all valued with the same importance, and are all given the opportunity to contribute. Equality can lead to a world that allows each person to achieve their best and still have the opportunity to lean on their fellow humans for assistance when needed. Individualism does not have to lead to competition and stratification if we manage to create a world that values all positive individual achievements as significant and a positive contribution to the betterment of our society.
Write to Linda at 001srabadi@bsu.edu
Idealists need to get out of the stratosphere and come down to Reality. If that's possible.
Thank heaven for us realists. Lights in the darkness are we.
While I agree with tone of your statement, I don't think the problem is correctly described as "undereducated". The problem is more aptly described as indoctrinated.
Indoctrinated with humanism - the anarchistic religion of the educated elite.
Amen to that! That's what really defines the Liberals, their quest to perfect humanity. I've had several debates with progressives since 9-11, and those debates always turn theological. My question is always, "What in so many thousands of years of recorded human history or present reality makes you believe that humanity is evolving towards a more perfect state or 'higher consciousness'???" And you know, when I posed specific theological questions and really asked them to pin point their basic beliefs about humanity, not a single one of them was really sure about anything....!!! They don't even realize that their politics are based on a religious type of faith, because they won't identify what they believe. It's so nuts. I can't remember who said this first, but I think it's very true: "Those who believe in nothing will believe anything." But what really concerns me is that the vague belief structure that defines liberals today will evolve into something kind of scary tomorrow.... and I'm willing to bet that twenty years from now their beliefs will solidify into something that resembles the Nazi party. Actually, they're already starting to sound like Nazis. They have socialism and a growing hatred of Jews/Israel in common. And actually, theologically, Progressives have the same roots as Nazis. The Nazis were heavily influenced by Theosophy, which was based on Eastern religion.... and has anyone know a Leftist that isn't a little fascinated with Buddhism or Yoga?
Read Fountainhead first. It is oriented toward the individual. Then read Atlas Shrugged, which is oriented more toward the interaction of group versus individual forces in society.
Fountainhead is an introductory novel leading to the main novel. But, it's not a complete loss if the order is reversed. Fountainhead is a more difficult book and needs to be read at an impressionable age. I was thinking that Atlas Shrugged is twice as long as Fountainhead and should be read later when one is more used to devouring hugh scoops of text, and when one already knows the motivations of the primary characters. Reading Fountainhead second could be considered a top-down approach that has some benefits of its own. All the same, reading each every year or two for a few years could also help some of the concepts seep in to a functional level.
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