Basic Principles of Objectivism

by Nathaniel Branden

The never-before published lectures of Nathaniel Branden on Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. These are the lectures that systematized Rand's views for the first time and made them available to the public.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics, Self Help

Audio CD

First published July 15, 2014

About the author

Nathaniel Branden was a Canadian–American psychotherapist and writer known for his work in the psychology of self-esteem. A former associate and romantic partner of Ayn Rand, Branden also played a prominent role in the 1960s in promoting Rand's philosophy, Objectivism. Rand and Branden split acrimoniously in 1968, after which Branden focused on developing his own psychological theories and modes of therapy.

Reviews

[Private Account · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clearest book on Objectivism that I have ever read (and I have read all of them). And his essay at the end, about what Objectivism gets wrong is sooooo important and well-said. None of it was news to me, but it was well-said. I also thought the first chapter was so crucial. Most people don't realize that the main idea of Objectivism is that knowledge is knowable. So many people would be so happy to read that first chapter and realize that they don't, after all, agree with Kant.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely excellent book about Objectivism. It is Nathaniel Branden's lecture series (which I listened to many years ago) transcribed. The last chapter deals with problems the author sees with Objectivism as put forth by Ayn Rand. I highly recommend the whole book.

[Tejas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for fans of Atlas Shrugged and Ayn Rand

[Austin D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Branden does the best lectures on objectivism and I've read them all.

[Yash Arya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as detailed as Leonard Peikoff's book Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand, but more accessible. Doesn't go into nearly as much depth in Epistemology, but it may be more than enough for most people. Read at least The Fountainhead and preferably also Atlas Shrugged first. Contains references to both.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn...

[Kat M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately, I'm glad I read this book, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wanted to have more complete understanding of objectivism. The last chapter, where Branden writes a critical retrospective, was a necessary, redeeming chapter.

Overall, this book was tedious to get through. I can certainly make an allowances that these were audio lectures, not written book chapters, but it still makes for some uninteresting reading at times. I would also note that this book contains a master class of sorts, not merely a distilled synthesis of objectivism. So, for me, there was much more detail than I probably really needed. But the really tedious aspect was the severity of Rand's black-and-white views. It all felt so insurmountable, and Branden acknowledges as much in his closing addendum.

[Todd Lemire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I loved the epilogue which brought a better balance to what can be deemed rigorous objectivism and close mindedness. Great book explaining the principles of objectivism in easy to understand language with insight into Rand's philosophy using examples of her work. I liked the insight Branden gives into Atlas Shrugged and Fountainhead among others. Great work and I will be reading more of Branden. I recommend this to those who may not yet know what they believe in.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are transcriptions of the original audio courses offered by the Nathaniel Branden Institute. Of all of the Objectivist overviews, I found this one far and away the best, and highly recommend it to anyone desiring an A to Z account of Ayn Rand's philosophy as revealed by its originators. Of special interest is Branden's epilogue, in which he expresses his current views of Objectivism, indicating some gaps or errors in Rand's thought or methodology, yet acknowledging the greatness of her works overall.

[Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vision of Ayn Rand is a collection of a lecture series written and conducted by Rand's pupil Nathaniel Branden, it covers all parts of Objectivism including discussions of her works too. A must read for new Objectivists or people interested in reason and freedom.