Objectivism

The Philosophy of Ayn Rand

By: Leonard Peikoff

Narrated by: Johanna Ward

Length: 19 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This brilliantly conceived book is based on a lecture course given by Dr. Leonard Peikoff in 1976 entitled, "The Philosophy of Objectivism". The lectures were attended by Ayn Rand, who helped prepare them and who also joined Peikoff in answering questions. Ayn Rand said of these lectures: "Until or unless I write a comprehensive treatise on my philosophy, Dr. Peikoff's course is the only authorized presentation of the entire theoretical structure of objectivism; that is, the only one that I know of my own knowledge to be fully accurate."

Peikoff, as Rand's foremost interpreter, here reveals both the abstract fundamentals of objectivism and its practical applications, with much new material that Rand offered only in private conversations with Peikoff.

©1991 Leonard Peikoff (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A revelation. Peikoff is an extraordinary communicator....He brings the most difficult intellectual ideas within the grasp of the general reader....An awesome intellectual experience." (Detroit Free Press)

excellent

perfectly read. illuminated my understanding of objectivism. very enjoyable, and easy to follow. highly recommended

Mind Cleaner--This book unleashed my super mind...now I can think clearly

This book is a must read for the independant knowledge seeker who wants a map to think clearly & potently about all the important aspects of human life. You'll for sure be further ahead of your peers who are confused & conquered by 3,000 years of Political & religious dupery among the slaved masses...This book will help you Breakout towards your life of Health Love & Wealth rapidly. Thank you to Leonard & Ayn with much love & respect for your work

Great work of philosophy could be presented better

As some have already noted this book can be heavy to listen to, especially on the first go. I find it works best in conjunction with a physical book. The book for deep study & margin-scribbling, & this audio form is great for me as a refresher after a few years. I think it works best if you approach the audio like a series of lectures & don't try to get every detail or nuance the first time. Peikoff's clear writing/presentation lends itself well to that format.

As always Ayn Rand's philosophy is honest in its terms, thorough in its reasoning, and profound in its implications.

The only downside is that the narrator speaks with a very smug tone, especially when reading sections referring to the works of other philosophers or philosophical fallacies. It's disconcerting to hear Ayn Rand's ideas in Peikoff's sincere words with such a sneering voice.

great breakdown and synopsis on objectivism!

i really want ro recommend this book abput atn rand and objectivism. it was written by a guy who worked with her and knew her well. he was also an objecticist as a result and this recording goes over all the basics and truisms of objectivism. great audiobook!

A must read

for those learning to understand objectivism more thoroughly this is the book for you please note it is not beginner book this is an advanced philosophy and economic undertaking it may not be appreciated

by those who cannot understand it

Best Book on Philosophy

I agree with the philosophy of Objectivism. This audio book has enlightened me. I highly recommend it.

A Detailed Explanation of Ayn Rand's Philosophy

As the title states, this book details the philosophic thought of Ayn Rand, which she called Objectivism. Dr. Peikoff follows Ms. Rand's thinking from perception to concept formation and ultimately to government, economics and art. According to Rand, man is a rational being who has survived solely because of his intellect. She replaces Shakespeare's question: "To be or not to be" with the fundamental choice "To think or not to think." She then moves methodically and logically to explaini the idea of rational selfishness, which is not a "do whatever you want at the expense of others" proposal, as her critics pretend. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in philosophy.

The Most Important philisophical achievement

Where does Objectivism rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Among all the books on audible I have read it is surpassed only by Rands own writings. Dr Peikoff brilliantly presents Rands revolutionary philosophy.

What other book might you compare Objectivism to and why?

Anything by Ayn Rand

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite part of the book is his discussion of the formation of concepts.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did have an extreme reaction. That reaction was one of exhilarating joy. This book helped make clear to me a who new rational method of thought and along with Rands writings has changed my life

Eye opener.

Dr. Peikoff has masterfully dissected with clarity Rand's philosophy for living on earth. -Thank you & thank you.

Brilliantly structured and logical

Where does Objectivism rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is so far my favorite nonfiction audio book. It is written in a style very amenable to listening.

What does Johanna Ward bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
The narration was good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
This book includes a challenge to moral ideas that people in all of human history have believed to be true. If the skeptical listener has the intent of understanding the full proof of Rand's alternative to these ideas, he may see that her new moral theory is a far more logical and better choice for his own life, and is likely 100 years ahead of its time. Future societies will look back on us somewhat baffled by how human beings could have held such flawed beliefs, as we also do when looking back at history.

Any additional comments?
This book should be required reading in every university for every student no matter what his major. It weaves a rigorously logical story from the everyday that one can hear, touch, smell, and see, to everything that one knows no matter how detailed or specialized. It provides a context or framework to understand, organize, check validity, and unify all one's knowledge and every choice he has ever made or ever will make.