- ALLAN GOTTHELF
DISCUSSES HIS BOOK "ON AYN RAND"
From the PRODOS.COM archives
2000 ...
“On Ayn Rand” – at the time of the interview –
was the latest addition to the Wadsworth Philosophers Series.
Topics covered in this interview include: The Benevolent Universe Premise and
the Heroic View of Man. What value is central to Ayn Rand’s view of a hero? What is reason? What are emotions? Is there a connection between the
two? Are reason and emotions at odds with each other? Are
reason and passion mutually exclusive? Reason and self-esteem.
How should
a person gain his philosophy? What is philosophy? What is the meaning of life? And is mysticism required to
answer this question? What is “value”? What does human survival require? What does it mean for a human being “to live”?
Selfishness: what is it
according to Ayn Rand? Contrasting it with the Nietzchien view.
The harmony of rational
interests. In Ayn Rand’s
novel, "The Fountainhead," Howard Roark gives up a job that would bring
him wealth and fame. How was that, by Ayn Rand’s philosophy, a
selfish act? How did
Allan Gotthelf first meet Ayn Rand?
- THE
CAPITALIST MANIFESTO BY ANDREW BERNSTEIN
Andrew Bernstein describes his book, The Capitalist
Manifesto, as “One-stop shopping” for capitalism. Some of the
issues discussed in the interview include: How Capitalism is "The system
of the Enlightenment" - even though that happened a century or so
earlier.
The connection between human rights, freedom, and
prosperity.
What do you need to get to a system of progress and
prosperity?
What two aspects of human life did Enlightenment culture
glorify?
What capitalism has done for the Arts.
What is the
point of government according to the Enlightenment and pro Capitalism
view? What is ACTUALLY the central, foundational principle of the
capitalist system? Capitalism as the system of the mind. Can there be
slavery under capitalism? Is slavery good for business? Is
slavery practical? Under capitalism, do the rich get richer and the poor
get poorer?
Why did Communism “work” as long as it did in the
Soviet Union?
The inductive method and structure of “The Capitalist
Manifesto”.
The nature of force and what is it good for. What should
and should not be privatized? "The great disconnect” – the clash between
the ethics that freedom demands versus the underlying moral idea that
many people in the west accept; the mind-boggling destruction this
“great disconnect” has wrought in the world.
- JUSTICE CLARENCE
THOMAS: A JOURNEY INTO AMERICAN IDEALS
In his "dissenting opinion" in the Kelo vs New
London eminent domain case, United States Supreme Court Justice
Clarence Thomas takes us on a journey into the thinking and the
spirit of the American Founding Fathers. With San Diego based attorney,
James Valliant, we analyse Justice Thomas's approach
and learn about how the framers of the American Constitution approached
defending man's rights - defending it against the very kinds of people
represented by Justice Stevens and the Supreme Court's majority
opinion!
- CAPITALISM THE
MAGNIFICENT
Guests: Philosopher &
Novelist, Andrew Bernstein & Psychologist &
Writer, Michael Hurd. As well as being practical AND
being moral, the Celebrate
Capitalism™ campaign maintains that capitalism is also MAGNIFICENT.
Literally, actually, objectively so. That's what is explored in this
interview. Topics covered include: More choices under capitalism.
Freedom of the mind vs repression of the mind. Creativity vs boredom.
The results of mental repression. The encouragement of invention in a
capitalist society. Depression as engendered by a lack - or perceived
lack - of choice. The excitement of the entrepreneur, the inventor, the
creative mind. “Value intoxication.”
The idea of "adventure and
romance". Career choice/changing career. The interaction of inventions.
Surprise. Unpredictability.
What is heroism? Are there more heroes
under capitalism? How the division of labor - a key feature of
capitalism - opens up more choices for everyone - the opportunity to do
what you love most and are best at. Becoming the hero of your own life.
- WHY IS STATISM SO
UNBEARABLY BORING?
Guest: Psychologist and
writer, Dr Michael Hurd.
Topics covered include: Is
there a connection between boredom and statism? Fear and the absence of
creativity. What happens under the most extreme forms of statism to a
person’s mind? How might this relate to what happens under milder
forms? The risk-averse personality and depression. How a statist
government helps instill the risk-averse psychology.The conflict between
coercion and creativity. What, except physical force can silence active
minds? The difference in the effect between private support of the arts
versus government support. Government favoritism.
- EMINENT DOMAIN:
KELO v NEW LONDON & THE LOGIC OF DESTRUCTION
5 out of 9 Supreme Court judges have now said it is
Constitutional to seize the private property of some citizens and to
hand it over to others - if that results more taxes or greater
employment for the community. ”Promoting economic development is a
traditional and long-accepted governmental function.” wrote Justice
Stevens.
In this interview, Property Rights activist,
Erich Veyhl, analyzes this recent absolutely awful
turn of events in the Land of Liberty.
Why did Susette Kelo not
want to accept “just compensation” for her property? Did everyone who
gave in to eminent domain in this case want to sell? Economic fascism.
To what extent is the 5th Amendment about granting government the
power to take property and to what extent is it about limiting that
power? How is the right to private property of *spiritual*
concern? How does it affect the creative mind? How today’s use of
eminent domain attacks personal values. The final verdict as
written by Justice Stevens – government planning as the god of the
scheme to undermine private property rights. How ”The Plan” supersedes
individual rights, in Justice Stevens’s verdict. The re-defining of
“public use” to be whatever the government says is its purpose in the
name of the public.
- EMINENT DOMAIN: HOW
THE FIFTH AMENDMENT IS BEING EXPLOITED BY GOVERNMENTS TO DESTROY PRIVATE
PROPERTY RIGHTS
Why the Founders of the USA
intended to limit the power of eminent domain. Did
all of them believe eminent domain was right and necessary? Contrasting what the US Founders intended versus what is being
done with eminent domain today. In Australia it's
called "compulsory acquisition". Court decision
regarding the Federal Urban Renewal program, when the Supreme Court
re-defined term “public use” in a loose, vague way that left property
rights vulnerable to virtually anything the government chooses to call
“public use” or “public good” or “public interest”, including taking
property from a homeowner or small business owner to give it to a
company that will
bring in more taxes.
- VALLIANT VS
BRANDEN & BRANDEN
James Valliant talks
about his book, The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics: The Case
Against The Brandens and sheds light on the "Manchurian
Candidate Effect". James has made an extensive analysis of the claims
made by Barbara and Nathaniel Branden and shown how the Brandens
contradict each other AND themselves. The clincher is that Ayn
Rand's private journals were made available to hime by the Estate
of Ayn Rand. You'll be astounded at what they reveal about
her.
- THE POWERFUL
MINDS PROJECT
Glenn Woiceshyn discusses:
Why developing the mind should be the primary focus of education. The
importance of history and historic heroes - a vital part of
education. Teaching induction. Teaching courage and intellectual independence.
The problems of Progressive Education, cognitive relativism
and other modern approach that dampen children's love of
learning and the development of vital knowledge and skills.
The "Powerful Minds"
approach to developing curriculum material.
- A NEW DIRECTION IN
PHYSICS
Lewis Little discusses the Theory
of Elementary Waves. Wave goodbye to: wave-particle duality,
entanglement, non-locality, faster-than-light
signalling, instantaneous action, Schroedinger's paradox,
the fashionable modern indifference and dogmatic contempt for
physical explanation, and all the spooky Zen-like
convolutions and contortions of standard quantum and
relativity theory. Wave hello to: cause and effect, locality, the law of
identity, solving the EPR paradox, putting physicality back into
physics, explaining the constant speed of light. Say G'day to logic and
reality! Yippee!
- THE MEANING OF
THE MURDER OF DUTCH POLITICIAN, PYM FORTUYN
How the media and the left contributed to the murder of Pym
Fortyn. Through prejudice and character assassination. Popular,
flamboyant, openly gay Dutch politician, Pym Fortuyn ("Professor
Pym") was portrayed by Dutch, European, and international media as:
Far right, New Right, extreme-rightist,
Racist, Fascist, neo-fascist, anti-immigration, similiar to France's
Jean Marie LePen, and sometimes even as a radical laissez-faire
supporter (which is the exact opposite of statist fascism of course -
but these left-wing journalists aren't known for their intelligence).
But Pym Fortyn was NONE of these
things.
- ALINA FERNANDEZ:
FIDEL CASTRO'S DAUGHTER
[From the archives]
How did Alina escape from
Cuba? What does she
think of her father, Fidel Castro? When the cartoons disappeared
forever. Did Alina
ever get involved in Cuban politics? What did Castro say when 14-year-old
Alina told her father she wanted to leave Cuba? What was the “Peter Pan” plan?
The Elian Gonzales case –
why “parental rights” do not apply in Cuba. What is family life
actually like in Cuba? Health and education is “free” in Cuba – why is Alina Fernandez
not impressed?
- THE MORAL AND
PRACTICAL CASE FOR COMPLETELY PRIVATE EDUCATION
James Stanfield in the UK and Marshall Fritz in the USA
present convincing research from country after country, school
after school, that shows why the government really must get OUT of
the education business. Private enterprise can do it better. The
evidence is now overwhelming! Then there are the moral
arguments and the social consequences to consider
when goverments run schools.
- EDWARD DE
BONO (2 interviews)
What
is lateral thinking? Humor – how does it tell us more about the human
mind than any other behavior? What has been the driving force of Western
science? How Chinese technology was far advanced - way beyond that of
the West - 2000 years ago. But Chinese technological progress
then came to a dead end. Why? The value and importance
of play and
provocation. What is
“po”? How do you use it? “Parallel thinking” – the 6 Thinking Hats
method. Why is Australia Edward DeBono’s favorite country? :-)
The habits of “wisdom”
versus the habits of traditional thinking. Traditional approaches to creative thinking –
brainstorming and suspending judgment - how they are weak or
ineffective. Deliberate provocations as aids to creative
thinking.
- REVIVAL AND
INFLUENCE OF ANCIENT SKEPTICISM IN MODERN SCIENCE
Skepticism’s Medieval alliance with
theology. Extreme
skepticism and moderate skepticism. Montaigne’s skeptic view regarding the statement
“honey is sweet”. Rene
Descartes –– the material universe as a giant piece of clockwork; “I
think; therefore I am.” Looking for that which cannot be
doubted. The “evil demon” hypothesis. When Science shook up the old views of the world.
Thomas Hobbes – his
solution for the problem of finding a criteria for true knowledge.
Influence of skepticism
on modern science. Newtonians: “We can do science without knowing
the ultimate causes of things.” Is statistical evidence proof of cause and effect?Skepticism and quantum mechanics
Skepticism in ethics and
politics. The elephant
and the 3 blind men.
- COMMERCIAL VS POLITICAL
SPEECH: DIVIDING AND DESTROYING THE FIRST
AMENDMENT
In 1942 the Supreme Court began
to differentiate between "commercial speech" such as advertising, and
political speech. The "commercial speech doctrine" holds that commercial
or "self-interested" speech is NOT protected by the First Amendment.
Nicholas Provenzo from the Center for the Advancement of Capitalism
(CAC) argues there should be no such division.
- THE
SWASHBUCKLING SPIRIT OF THE ENTREPRENEUR
How Cornelius Vanderbilt
challenged Robert Fulton’s state-sponsored monopoly. the entrepreneur as a daring,
enterprising adventurer with a great, original vision.
Creative minds in the material realm of
business just as creative as those in the spiritual realm of art.
The mind as the real
business capital. Does
greed for money drive the entrepreneur? What does money and profit mean to the
entrepreneur? Ayn Rand as
an entrepreneur.
- PROHIBITIONISM -
BANNING FOR A BETTER WORLD?
Prohibition in
America (1920 - 1933), Australia, Britain, and elsewhere. How the
ban was actually not about drinking alcohol, but against producing and
selling alcohol. How the consumer was treated as a victim.
Temperance crusaders tended to also be for ending slavery - what
did these two issues have in common at the time? The role of
the Quakers. It was actually not a "Puritan" movement. Early crusaders
relied on persuasion and advocated moderation - but this changed to
using force of law and advocating a total ban. How Prohibition caused
disrespect of law. Violation of property rights. The rise of organized
crime. That the backlash and the move to repeal Prohibition was
itself based on flawed arguments. And much more!
- USA-AUSTRALIA (FTA) FREE
TRADE AGREEMENT
Australia has ALWAYS stood
beside the USA. We’ve fought with United States – for better or for
worse – in EVERY major war – including Vietnam and Korea. And most
recently in Afghanistan and Iraq. Without doubt, Australia is the most
USA-friendly country in the world. We’ve been prepared to fight together
and die together for the cause of liberty. Are we now prepared to TRADE
together?
- BETTINA BIEN
GREAVES ON THE LIFE AND WORK OF LUDWIG VON MISES
Topics covered include: The personality and personal style
of Mises, his views of morality, his passion and unswerving dedication
to liberty, accurate predictions of future world events by noting
prevailing ideas and ideologies ("as I see from the books being
written"), how capitalism has been maligned, gossip regarding run-in
with Ayn Rand (but UNVERIFIED), when governments should "do nothing",
Greenspan's current view regarding the Gold Standard, the importance and
impact of ideas, a BATMAN comic issue based on Ludwig Von Mises (!), the
recovery of Mises papers taken by the Nazis and showing up in Moscow,
his rejection of anarcho-capitalism and anarchy, the Mises Institute
"does a good job ... but ... torn between the teachings of Mises and the
teachings of Rothbard", love of opera, and much, much more!
- IRANIAN
STUDENT UPRISING
While the intelligentsia
of what we call the free world – the West – Australia … the USA … Europe
.. Canada and so on – tell us that dictators like Castro are “freedom
fighters” and that social systems like Capitalism are the root of all
evil .. and seek to slander great men like Thomas Jefferson … in the
heart of one of the world’s most brutal and fanatical regions – a region
that mass produces terrorists the way Henry Ford first mass produced the
Model T ... within the axis of evil itself … there are individuals who
are upholding the American Founding Fathers and believe that free trade
is a basic human right.
They believe in:
capitalism, private property rights, secular government, free
speech.
- WHAT IS THE CAUSE
OF POVERTY IN POOR COUNTRIES?
Why are some
people rich and some people poor? Why are some countries rich and others
poor? The governments of many poor countries seem to oppose free trade
and the entry of big corporations. But the citizens want the
corporations and they WANT capitalism.
Regarding anti-capitalist
demonstrators?
James Shikwati: "(The demonstrators) didn't seem
to be informed about the poor people ... and didn't seem to be intersted
in the concerns of the poor people."
Barun Mitra: "(The
demonstrators) by and large have little understanding of the issues ...
most are not even making an effort to understand the
issues."
- ARCHIVE: MIKE
MENTZER, HOW FITNESS SCIENCE HAS BEEN INFLUENCED BY AYN
RAND
Recorded about a year before Mike
Mentzer's death. This interview looks at how Ayn Rand's ideas in
Epistemology (reason), Metaphysics (reality), and Ethics (personal
happiness) influenced one of the world's most successful and
revolutionary musclemen and fitness experts.
- RATIONAL
ENTHUSIASM & A 'SERMON ON THE MOUNT'
"Fill your life with the things you love most!" says Dr Andrew
Bernstein, Author, Heart of a Pagan. This interview with Dr Bernstein
and a group of highly motivated members of the "Swoop Troop" was
recorded during their trek up Breakneck Ridge, Cold Springs, New
York.
Topics covered include: Mind/body integration. The
Classical Greek ideal of sound body and sound mind. Treat your body as a
consecrated thing. The pursuit of excellence in the mental, moral, and
physical realm.
Is rational enthusiasm an American invention?
Since the USA was explicitly founded on the ideal of the right to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, what that means is that
individuals have the inalienable right to pursue their own values. The
right to devote every second of your life to the things your love and
the idea that no one has the right to get in your way. You have the
moral right to go after what you want.
- THE COOLING VEST THAT
DOES THE SWEATING FOR YOU
Discussion of a
new "cooling vest" designed to be worn under the NBC (Nuclear,
Biological, Chemical) protective clothing of soldiers, fire fighters,
etc. How it works - how it "does the sweating for you". The physiology
of body cooling, why does sweating cool us down. The application of
'heat pipe' technology first developed for satellites to conduct heat
away from circuitry. The operational edge this vest gives a soldier. The
way the vest was developed.
- MYTHS
ABOUT ISRAELI OCCUPATION
Daniel Mandel
exposes the many myths regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict -
especially the myth that Israel is somehow "occupying" land that
"rightfully" belongs to Palestine or Palestinians.
- HISTORY OF
MUSICALS & THE FREE MARKET
The
development of The Musical over the last few centuries! We look at its
transformation as a genre plus we check whether there is any link
between its development and Capitalistic ideals in society: Free trade,
individual rights, free speech, free association, rule of law, esteem of
reason.
- HEART OF A PAGAN:
THE STORY OF SWOOP
Swoop - the hero of
Andrew Bernstein's novel, Heart of a Pagan, is not only a visionary, a
philosopher, and a genius - he's the world's greatest athlete. And he's
on a mission from the gods - the pagan gods of Ancient Greece - to
inspire the worship and achievement of mental, physical, and moral
excellence!
Thus, using basketball as a metaphor, through the
irrepressible character of Swoop, and the unstoppable, unbeatable Swoop
Troop, this story takes us from the conquests of Alexander the Great and
the feats of Achilles and Odysseus to the basketball court - and back
again!
- FOREIGN
TRADE RESTRICTIONS
Two leading free market
writers discuss the problems with trade restrictions such as: Tarrifs,
Anti dumping laws (including criticism of the WTO), Tarrifs, Foreign
Ownership restrictions, Multi-lateral trade agreements,
etc.
- LINDSAY PERIGO
INTERVIEWED
Interview with New Zealand
radio presenter and free-market activist, Lindsay Perigo. Topics covered
include: The challenge of encouraging others to think in principles. How
does cultural change happen - it's not 'linear.' How to treat your
philosophy selfishly. It's those few people who do care who make a
difference. Going from Communism to cynicism. Then finally discovering
Ayn Rand.
- THE
CHENEY-MUELLER PRE-EMPTIVE *SURRENDER* TO
TERRORISM
American Vice President, Dick
Cheney says that another terrorist attack on the USA is "Almost a
certainty."
FBI Director, Robert Mueller says "I think it's
inevitable ... There will be another terrorist attack ... We will not be
able to stop it. It's something we all live with."
WRONG! In fact
there is a great deal more the USA can do. For instance, a decisive,
pre-emptive military *strike* against states that sponsor
terrorism.
- ISRAEL'S
OPERATION DEFENSE SHIELD
Palestinian
terrorist groups have been competing with each other on who can create
the most havoc and kill the most Israelis. Operation Defense Shield
aimed at reducing Palestinian suicide attacks on Israel and destroying
or reducing Palestinian terrorist capabality. Was it successful? What
methods did it use? What about the deeper and more long term problems of
terrorism? Why fighting terrorism in Israel makes the world whole a
safer place.
- HOW
BUREAUCRATS TRY TO 'IMPROVE' THE FREE MARKET
Every one seems to have one. No government is complete these days
without it's very own Anti-trust agency. To "protect" the consumer from
price-fixing, under-pricing, over-pricing, whatever- you- do- is-bound-
to- be- wrong- anyway- pricing. To fix this imperfect market in this
imperfect world. To make sure there are no anti "competitive" business
practices taking place anywhere any time.
- WHY
ISRAEL HAS MUCH TO BE PROUD OF
Israel is a
beacon of Western values, Capitalism, and success - smack in the middle
of the Middle East. Surrounded by 'neighbours' for whom freedom is a
foreign tongue, by poverty ridden dictatorships who view Israel's
prosperity with a mixture of paranoid suspicion, hate, and
envy.
Israel does not allow itself to forget that "Eternal
vigilance is the price of liberty" (Wendell Phillips) They have paid a
high price for it - and they should be proud of what they have created
and defended.
- TOWARDS
A POSITIVE VISION FOR CUBA
What's wrong
with Communism in both theory and practice - how it is an airtight
guarantee of poverty and misery. Why Capitalism - free trade, free
speech, individual rights, etc. - is the only moral and practical
solution for Cuba.
- LIVING
IN ISRAEL TODAY: NAOMI RAGEN ONLINE FROM JERUSALEM
At a time when innocent Israelis are being murdered
indiscriminately by Arafat's suicide bombers ... As the media portrays
these terrorists and their brutal leadership as heroes and condemns
Israel - the freest, most prosperous state in the Middle East - for
seeking to defend herself ... what is it like living Israel? Getting on
a bus? Shopping at the local market? Eating in a
restaurant?
- CHINA: FACTS AND
"FACE"
Western appeasement is rewarding
Chinese aggression and oppression. Can trading with China lead to the
spread of better ideas? Or will it end up arming and encouraging a force
of destruction? A brutal force aimed at both foreigners and Chinese
citizens?
- CHINA: WHY IT
SHOULD LOSE THE OLYMPICS
The world's
biggest dictatorship - a country which has slaughtered more people than
Hitler, is hostile to Western values, throws a tantrum if anyone
suggests it may not be allowed to have Taiwan all to itself - but it
gets handed Hong Kong and the Olympic Games. So what
gives?
- CHINA: WHERE IS
THE LANGUAGE OF LIBERTY?
China has some
deep problems. As well as its Communist and authoritarian traditions,
the Chinese language lacks the words/concepts necessary to grasp the
ideas of liberty, individualism, free choice, etc. And the Western
concepts it has picked up are Kantian and Keynesian. The worst of all
worlds. Yet the West constantly appeases and even rewards
China.
- SOUTH KOREAN
CULTURE, CONCEPTS, AND CAPITALISM
Does
South Korea have the foundations for Capitalism? Individual Rights? The
Pursuit of Happiness? Does it have the concepts which are the
precondition of achieving freedom and prosperity?
- CUBAN
DISSIDENT, EX COMMUNIST, FERDINANDO CASTRO DE LARDILLER, ONLINE FROM
CUBA
We know what the Cuban oppositionists
are against: Castro and Communism. But what are they fighting FOR? And
how does a dictator like Castro stay in power? In this illegal
(according to Cuban law) interview we speak with one of Cuba's leading
dissidents.
- LEON LOUW: PROMOTING
FREE MARKET PRINCIPLES IN SOUTH AFRICA AND BEYOND
"Contrary to what Socialists and Communists think, when people
are trading they're all blissfully happy - buyers and sellers alike!"
observed Leon Louw on his recent visit to Melbourne,
Australia.
The Founder of the South African based Free Market
Foundation talks about the programs and activities his organization run
to promote free market ideas and policies. Among other things, find out
about the young black Communist who now works as a lecturer promoting
the virtues of Capitalism
- HOW DOES
FANTASY AND ADVENTURE WORK IN LITERATURE?
As humans we seem to be preoccupied with two seemingly opposed
activities. The first is to identify reality. The second is to escape it
- through the use of fiction, fantasy, fairytales. What is the role of
fantasy in human life?
- MORE
CAPITALISM MEANS MORE AND BETTER ART
"Artists flourish in a capitalistic system!" says Art Historian,
Professor Lee Sanstead. So why are so many Artists so hostile towards
Capitalism? Example after historic example is provided of the link
between Capitalism (the system of the mind) and Artistic quality and
quantity. A chilling contrast is made with the Artistic desolation of
oppressive regimes such as modern Afghanistan as well as the anti
objectivity of Post Modernism. Listen now to this informative and
uplifting affirmation of creative freedom and prosperity - including
some ground-breaking insights by one of the world's foremost authorities
on Romantic Realism.
- HOW GOVERNMENTS
GET AWAY WITH SEIZING PRIVATE PROPERTY
Using the example of the Brazilian Government's threat to seize
the patent to AIDS drug, Viracept, we look at how Governments get away
with such breaches of property rights.
Topics covered include:
The often-used trick of declaring a "state of emergency" as an excuse to
trample on rights. The false dichotomy inherent in the "Put lives before
profit" slogan. The contribution of altruism to the destruction of
rights. The fraud of claiming to "help" people - whilst punishing the
Drug companies for their success. The widespread notion that profits are
bad. Should Atlas go on strike? The possible idea of micro strikes. How
companies are hampered from defending themselves - by their
shareholders' structures and by their own short term mentalities.
- A TURN FOR DE
WURST
The Artist at Work Series: Sydney
Kendall is author of 'A Turn for DeWurst', a thought-provoking novel
about a brilliant little girl who fights back against a teacher that is
out to crush her mind and spirit. It shows the importance of
independence, and of freedom of choice in education. Why is fiction so
important? The nature of the creative process. Homeschooling. Having a
primary purpose in writing a novel. Creation of characters. How fiction
can express radical ideas better than non-fiction -- showing the
practical consequences of ideas and values. "Good versus evil" -- how
moral issues stir emotions.
- THE ART
& SCIENCE OF SELFISHNESS
Why is the
concept of selfishness so misunderstood and misrepresented? Isn't
everyone selfish? Selfishness is not the same as gratifying your every
desire. How ALTRUISM painted self-interest as harming others. Who gave
selfishness a bad name and how they did it. Tricks used by advocates of
selflessness - For instance: The benevolence trap. SelfLESSness is
opposed to happiness. How altruism has created the modern trend of
"victim competition". The selfish person is focused on respecting and
valuing others. Ayn Rand's remarkable clarification of this most
misunderstood idea.
- WORSE THAN MINDLESS THUGS.
THE M1 EXPOSED. AND CHALLENGED!
They
smashed windows, they screamed slogans, they burned effigies, they
hurled paint, they pushed, hit, threatened, swore, and shouted down
dissenters. They terrorized the innocent. Were the M1 protesters
mindless thugs? No. Something much worse. On May 1, 2001, The "M1"
demonstrators rallied in every city around Australia. Their goal was to
stage a "peaceful protest." which "Shut Down Corporate Australia".
Doesn't make sense? It does actually, from a very particular perspective
as you'll find out shortly.
- HECTOR PALACIOS:
CUBAN THOUGHT CRIMINAL
Online from within
Cuba. Founder of the Democratic Solidarity Party of Cuba, arrested sixty
times, spent twelve years in jail. Discusses: The extent to which Cubans
are restricted and enslaved. What happened to Elian Gonzalez. The Valera
Project seeking to change the Cuban constitution. Those who have fled
Cuba. How to remain positive and strong, even under the most dire
conditions, his own dreams and hopes.
- FATAL BOLT OF
TRUTH FOR GUILT INDUSTRY
Melbourne Herald
Sun columnist, Andrew Bolt, recently confronted Australia's most honored
Aboriginal leader, Dr Lowitja O'Donogue with facts that contradict her
long held stance that she was a 'stolen child' i.e. forcibly removed
from her parents by white authorities. She came clean and confessed that
her parents had HANDED HER OVER to Colebrook Homes. The guilt industry
is imploding in slow motion.
- CYBERHATE: WHO CAN SLAY
THE HYDRA?
Discussion includes:
Sophisticated organizational structures and technologies used by Neo
Nazis and 'extreme right (don't you "hate" that term?) groups.' Past and
current examples. Can current laws cope with the problem? The dangers of
censoring the web. Some non-government, free market solutions. Modern
trend towards direct action and emotionalism. Can one combat stupidity
and prejudice? How education can help. How young people should approach
the internet.
- DEFENDING
CAPITALISM:
CONTRASTING CHRISTIANITY & OBJECTIVISM
Most Christians I know are opposed to
capitalism, profit, and 'materialism'. But does this necessarily follow
from Christian principles? Michael Novak, from the American Enterprise
Institute, one of the world's most eminent defenders of capitalism and a
devout Catholic doesn't think so. He joins Andrew Bernstein from the Ayn
Rand Institute as we contrast the way Objectivism and Christianity
defend Capitalism.
- THE
HISTORY OF RELIGION AND SCIENCE
Interview
includes: Newton's search for a "scientific theology" and his study of
alchemy. His use of gravitation and the notion of action-at-a-distance
as evidence of God's intervention. Galileo's crime. Why was he
persecuted by the Church? His claim that there were two books of God -
the bible and the natural world. Could he prove the Copernican
view?
- HOW TO FIND
LOVE AND ROMANCE
Topics covered include:
What does a woman look for in a man? What does a man look for in a
woman? Differences and similarities. Why do we NEED love and romance?
Why pursue it? Are we 'incomplete' without a 'soul-mate'? What to look
for in a soul-partner. Keeping the love alive - over decades. The
feeling of "I'm melting" that comes with being in love. How the internet
may be changing some of the old rules - maybe for the
better!
- THE MORAL AND
MILITARY DEFENCE OF ISRAEL
Topics covered
include: The ideological war behind the violence. The media's role in
not only reporting events but in determining the outcome. The lengths to
which Israel has gone to encourage peace. Is it time to take back some
of the territory? The problem with the concept of "self-determination"
based on heritage or religion - for both Israelis and
Palestinians.
- THE
MANY MASKS AND GRINNING SKULLS OF MULTICULTURALISM
Multicultralism wears many masks. It pretends
to stand for: tolerance, diversity, defending the underdog, redressing
past wrongs, progressive thinking, justice, anti-racism, an open
society, human values, empowerment. But in reality it creates a culture
of intimidation and intolerance; obliterates judgement, values and
virtue; brings people down to a lowest common denominator; creates
victims out of the very people it purports to help; creates a new class
of oppressors; replaces individualism with tribalism. Of course, apart
from all that it's a great idea.
- NATIONAL
MISSILE DEFENSE AND THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE
Topics covered include: America's past posture of 'purposeful
vulnerability'. Ronald Reagan's "Star Wars" speech. Rogue states now
developing advanced missile capabilities. Arms Control "Theology".
Chinese "vociferous" opposition to NMD - and what it really means. New
Chinese missiles look very much like the American ones - why? China's
"energetic upgrade" of its offensive capabilities.
- UNDERSTANDING
GOOD AND BAD INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHIES
Topics
covered include: The contrasting views of Keynes (who was friendly with
Hayek it seems). Methodological individualism. The practical problems of
government controlling economic activity. Social justice. Why market
forecasters get it wrong so often. The decision in the 1930's to opt for
market intervention when a "hands off" policy would have been better.
Chris Leithner's experience in lecturing to up and coming public
servants. The notion that the government must provide the money and the
answers. The latest fad: "ethical investment".
- A
PALESTINIAN STATE? BUT WHY?
Topics covered
include: How an emphasis on the peace 'process' has allowed Israel to
ignore the obvious bad character and violent track record of someone
like Yassar Arafat. Anyway, what is a Palestinian State? Will it be free
and democratic or just another little authoritarian outpost? Is there
any point at all for having a Palestine? Why have the Israelis gone
along with this idea? Wouldn't an Arab living in Israel actually be
freer than an Arab living in the proposed Palestine?
- COERCION
AND HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS
In the 17th
Century, John Locke identified the fact that using force to get one's
way degraded, not just the victim, but the wielder of the force. In the
20th Century, Ayn Rand identified the connection between coercion and
mental paralysis - "Force and mind are opposites" - and went on to
identify the sort of social system most conducive to human consciousness
- laissez faire capitalism.
- SOCIAL
SECURITY: A SACRED COW OF A SYSTEM
Topics
covered include: The history of Social Security and its German and
Marxist roots. SS as an instrument of egalitarianism. Comparing America,
Europe, and Australia. The big mistake of the 1935 Great Depression. The
'Salsman Plan'. The moral issue of compulsorily funding government SS.
Comparisons with privately run retirement and superannuation systems.
The effect on savings. Welfare spending. Work-for-the dole. Minimum
wages.
- DISPOSING OF
THE INDISPENSIBLE: DESTROYING PRIVATE PROPERTY
100,000,000 acres - 30% - of America is now owned by the Federal
Government. CARA (The Conservation & Reinvestment Act) makes
billions of taxpayers' dollars available to buy out private property and
maintain it as 'pristine wilderness' - i.e. free of human intervention.
Since that day twelve years ago, when Erich Veyhl happened to notice an
article in The Boston Globe showing how the National Parks Service
planned to designate his property as part of a national park, he has
been fighting at the moral and practical level to protect his and
others' property rights.
- HOW
GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF THE ARTS KILLS LEADERSHIP AND CREATIVITY
Do the Arts actually NEED government funding?
Arguments used to defend funding such as - providing community access,
it's too important to be left in private hands, necessary to shape
national identity, countries like Australia are too small to succeed
without it, etc. The historic development of Arts funding. Shifting the
focus from creativity towards pleasing funding bodies. The importance of
individual passion and how creative types are undercut by the funding
regime.
- UNDERSTANDING
DRUG USE - Part 1: From the viewpoint of users
Two 'recreational users talk about: Their favorite drugs. Why
they use them. The experience of using each drug. How they started. The
notion of escapism and comparing different types of 'recreational'
escapism with using drugs like: travel, fishing, going to Disneyland,
seeing a movie. The use of drugs for 'enhancement' and celebration.
Telling reality from fantasy. Can drugs enhance creativity? Their views
on using drugs safely, like checking the quality, buying from trusted
suppliers. And much more.
- UNDERSTANDING
DRUG USE - Part 2: Can drug use ever be rational?
Topics covered include: Can there be a safe use of drugs? Would
there be anything wrong with invoking pleasure, confidence, ecstasy by
direct stimulation of the brain? The cause-and-effect connection between
emotions, values, action. The issue of escapism, recreation and fun.
Using drugs to deal or alter feelings. Can 'cocaine confidence' be
transferred to everyday life? Achieving the virtue of independence.
Emotions as a reward for achieving values. Emotions as signals that
guide us. Can one be better off in any way by using drugs? Given the
potential life offers is drug use selfish enough?
- SO YOU WANT TO BE A
SPY?
What personal attributes does a spy
agency look for. The kind of training they receive. Comparing the
differences in being a spy in China, Singapore, and the USA. Recruiting
traitors. The difficulties in dealing with double agents and individuals
who might be monitored by counter intelligence services. Why he
defected. Also, what is happening in Russia today and the problems with
the Putin regime.
- BENEVOLENCE versus
ALTRUISM
The connection between rational
self-interest and goodwill. The importance of pursuing your own
happiness. The malevolence and destruction which inevitably follows from
practicing altruism. Altruism's bloody reign of hate and violence - from
Christianity to Marxism, from Eastern religion to Tribalism. Is Ayn Rand
and Objectivism opposed to helping others? Rand's revolution in ethics.
How altruism can affect our daily decision making. What rational
selfishness is NOT. Helping loved ones, friends, strangers - why and on
what basis. The 'help = sacrifice' package deal and
fallacy.
- DEFENDING
THE FOREST INDUSTRY AGAINST THE GREENS AND THEMSELVES
Eighty year old, retired forester, Tom Brabin,
is still active in fighting Green lies and anti-industry propaganda.
Unfortunately, the Forest industry is busily self-destructing. They
refuse to recognize what they're actually up against. "The Greens never
give in", says Brabin. In contrast, the industry keeps doing 'deals',
making compromises and beating around the bush (pardon the pun). Tom
Brabin was head the Victorian Association of Forest Industries from 1962
- 1982.
- S11 BRAZENLY EMBRACES
VIOLENCE AGAINST DISSENT
"Shutdown the
World Economic Forum!" That is the express goal of The s11, a network of
organizations and demonstrators who are protesting outside Melbourne's
Crown Casino complex and the Melbourne Exhibition buildings. Business
leaders, including Bill Gates, along with political leaders have
gathered in Melbourne for three days to discuss international trade. S11
is not planning just to object to their meeting. It plans to prevent it
from taking place. The demonstrators have formed human chains around the
entrances to Crown and are preventing anyone from entering the building.
Mario tried to enter the building earlier and was grabbed by several
protestors, and pushed back forcefully. When he said he had to enter to
go to work he was told no-one is coming in today, "Take the day off, you
don't have to go to work today."
- HOW THE BOSTON GLOBE
PURGED JEFF JACOBY
eff Jacoby talks about
how he was recently suspended by The Boston Globe, and invited to
resign, for "serious journalistic misconduct". It was alleged that his
article on the fate which befell the signers of The Declaration of
Independence did not attribute its sources and amounted to plagiarism.
Wrong. He used information and some expressions which were in the public
domain - the story was a well known historical retelling. A closer
examination, to me, suggests that, as the Globe's only NON left
columnists, he has been singled out for special
treatment.
- WHAT EXACTLY IS COCA
COLA?
Coca Cola was invented in 1886. Today
it is the most recognizable product brand on the face of the earth. Even
if you don't drink it you know what Coke is. OK, so what is it? Not just
a drink! Coca Cola has been designed as a complete sensory experience.
In Rumania Coke was viewed as a mysterious 'symbol of the free world'.
Also covered: Approaches to sponsorship, the reinvention of Santa Claus,
principles of marketing and advertising, the ingredients of Coke's
success, packaging and distribution, maintaining leadership, identifying
with lifestyles, finding a unique place in the consumer's consciousness,
remaining dynamic all these years, and lots more.
- CATHY FREEMAN RUNS
WITH THE 'SORRY' PACK
Greatly admired,
part-aboriginal, Australian Olympic runner, Cathy Freeman, recently made
headlines across Australia and internationally when she claimed that her
grandmother had been removed from her parents "because she had fair
skin". A few years ago Sir Ronald Wilson compiled a report called
Bringing Them Home based on interviews with mixed race aboriginals who
claimed they had been forcibly removed from their families as part of a
'social engineering' program. It is claimed that they are part of 'The
Stolen Generation'. The only problem seems to be that evidence of a
'Stolen Generation' cannot be found.
- DE BONO METHOD:
CREATIVE HARVESTING
As well as using formal
lateral thinking methods like 'po' to generate a quantity of diverse
ideas, we also need to develop the skill of 'harvesting' our thinking.
Stopping only at the wiz-bang ideas means that we miss some valuable
creative products which we've come up with but haven't identified.
During this session we show how to: extract and pull back concepts which
can be applied to other fields, identify seedling ideas, define new
focus points and starting points, examine how our thinking might have
shifted from one perspective to another.
- GENETIC
ENGINEERING AND THE SEINFELD EFFECT
The GM
Food scare campaign is a 'big show about nothing'. That's what I call
the Seinfeld Effect. A recent study has shown that the general public
does not find GM Foods as terrifying as the Greenies do. The anti-GM
Food lobby seems to be trying to scream the facts into submission. But
the more consumers know about GM foods the more positive they are about
it.
- THE RATIONAL RADIO
CONNECTION
Three of the world's four
Objectivist (Ayn Rand) radio presenters get together. They compare notes
and discuss: Why Objectivists make good communicators, why altruism is
anti-fun, the Objectivist method of being anchored to reality.
Open-minded versus active-minded. Emotions. Taking ideas seriously -
even passionately. Having a positive, benevolent outlook on life. How
treating your audience as individuals with free will avoids cynicism.
Having a sort of 'crusading spirit'.
- CONTRASTING THEORY
OF ELEMENTARY WAVES WITH STANDARD QUANTUM AND
RELATIVITY
"In 1996 the physicist Lewis
Little published his paper The Theory of Elementary Waves. For
the first time since Planck's quanta in 1900, a rational basis for
quantum mechanics has been established," says Stephen Speicher, who
joins the creator of this revolutionary new theory at PRODOS.COM to
discuss the radical concepts involved with two prominent advocates of
the standard theory. A historic moment!
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