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"I am not primarily an advocate of capitalism, but of egoism;
I am not primarily an advocate of egoism, but of reason.
If one recognizes the supremacy of reason and applies it consistently,
all the rest follows."
Ayn Rand














"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions
of body and mind will vanish like spirits at the dawn of day."
Thomas Jefferson




























anchor point







"It is one thing to show a man that he is in error,
and another to put him in possession of truth."
John Locke





















"How do you tell a Communist? Well, it's someone
who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an
anti-Communist? It's someone who understands
Marx and Lenin."
Ronald Reagan




























"The smallest minority on earth is the individual.
Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim
to be defenders of minorities."
Ayn Rand















Enjoy these PRODOS.COM interviews!
Listen now to discussions on philosophy,
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  1. 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?


  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.


  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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!

  11. 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.

  12. 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? 

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.


  17. 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.

  18. 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!
  19. 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?

  20. 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!


  21. 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. 


     
  22. 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."


  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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!

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. 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?

  37. 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?

  38. 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?

  39. 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.

  40. 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?

  41. 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.

  42. 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

  43. 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?

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. 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.

  53. 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?

  54. 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!

  55. 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.

  56. 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.

  57. 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.

  58. 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".

  59. 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?

  60. 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.

  61. 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.

  62. 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.

  63. 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.

  64. 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.

  65. 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?

  66. 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.

  67. 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.

  68. 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.

  69. 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."

  70. 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.

  71. 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.

  72. 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.

  73. 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.

  74. 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.

  75. 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'.

  76. 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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    Physics: Theory of Elementary Waves
    Moderated discussion and study list. Study and discuss the revolution in physics! Dr Lewis Little's Theory of Elementary Waves: a cause- and- effect, deterministic model of quantum and relativity phenomena that rejects all the 'spooky' stuff of modern physics. Archives available for viewing. Non-physicists also welcome. Lewis Little and Stephen Speicher are active members. Moderated by PRODOS.
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    Forum for sharing success stories, learning about heroism and practical philosophy, and getting daily inspiration to achieve mental, physical, and moral excellence. Based on the ideas of Heart of a Pagan, a novel by Objectivist Philosopher, Andrew Bernstein. You don't need to have read the novel (but you'll love it if you do!) or to be an Objectivist to join and benefit from this list.


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    Project List Promoting and developing local and worldwide collaborations and new projects with pro Capitalism artists from all fields (Painters, Film makers, Sculptors, Dancers, Choreographers, Playwrights, Novelists, Story tellers, Acrobats, Photographers, Poets, Songwriters, Singers, Rockers, Illustrators, Theater Directors, Musicians, etc.)


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    Activist Campaign. Join the Israel Campaign Task Force. Promoting a free, prosperous, strong Israel as indispensible to achieving peace in the Middle East and winning the War on Terrorism. Opposed to "Land for Peace." Opposed to establishment of a Palestinian state (as it will be authoritarian in nature.) For promoting Capitalist ideals. Supports "disproportionate" response to terrorist attacks.


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    Moderated Discussion group. Non scientists welcome. Students welcome. Read about and discuss new developments and latest research. Request or present straightforward explanations of Science and Technology facts, theories, methods, and research. Enjoy the history and the heroes of Science, Technology, Invention, Mathematics. Examine how Scientists and Technologists think, their work, how they approach it, their creativity, curiousity and drive. Help promote appreciation and support of Science and Technology.


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    Moderated discussion list. Discuss, study, celebrate the principles of America's Founding Fathers. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Fighting for individual rights and rational values. The ideas of John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand.
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