I don't define myself as an Objectivists, but I tend to agree with a lot of Rand's philosophy (mostly about work ethics, individuality and productivity). Unfortunately, she has a rather lopsided view about emotions and human relationships. I'm sure if the following words were coming from someone who is not a bestselling author, that person could be loosely defined as "batshit insane":
> If they place such things as friendship and family ties above their own productive work, yes, then they are immoral. Friendship, family life and human relationships are not primary in a man's life.
In today's world, Rand would probably be suffering from burnout.
It is curious that a proponent of individualism like Rand advocated that her point of view on relationships, family etc is the only one that's moral.
I really fell in love with objectivism as a teenager, and am a very strong supporter of free markets (yes, despite all the 'misery' they bring to workers in out-of-date industries). But examining her work and everything she said as a whole, it's clear to me that she took her opinions to the extreme. Who is she to say what should be primary in my life?
Misery:a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune;
I don't think the problems workers face due to globalization are non-existent. I do think that they aren't unforeseen (which is the definition of misfortune). I would argue that as programmers, our skills become obsolete faster than those of factory workers in a particular industry. If we can foresee this and learn new programming languages, it should be possible for workers to do this as well.
In short I think any misery globalization brings is avoidable but it would take not just efforts by governments but also awareness on the part of individuals and a willingness to accept change.
> If they place such things as friendship and family ties above their own productive work, yes, then they are immoral. Friendship, family life and human relationships are not primary in a man's life.
In today's world, Rand would probably be suffering from burnout.