Objectivists

Objectivists are adherents of Objectivism, a philosophical system developed by Ayn Rand. They believe in the primacy of objective reality and reject the validity of subjective feelings, intuition, and faith as sources of knowledge. Central to their philosophy are the concepts of rational self-interest, individualism, laissez-faire capitalism, and limited government. They champion reason as the sole means of acquiring knowledge and advocate for individual rights, arguing that the pursuit of one's rational self-interest is both moral and beneficial. They often criticize altruism and collectivism, viewing them as detrimental to human flourishing.

Objectivists meaning with examples

• Objectivists believe that a free market, driven by rational self-interest, is the most efficient way to allocate resources and create wealth. They argue that government intervention, beyond protecting individual rights, hinders economic progress. The Objectivists critique any form of welfare as morally wrong because it involves coercion and violates the right to one's own product of labor.
• The writings of Ayn Rand, such as *Atlas Shrugged* and *The Fountainhead*, are core texts for Objectivists. These works illustrate the principles of Objectivism through dramatic narratives that often feature strong, independent protagonists. They advocate for living by the principles of Objectivism where reason is the guiding principle for all actions, thoughts, and decisions that will be made.
• Objectivists frequently engage in debates about ethical and political issues, advocating for policies that protect individual liberty and promote rational decision-making. They see discussions about healthcare and education as vital, to defend a rational model. They often hold strong opinions on moral questions, based on their belief in objective standards of right and wrong.
• Critics of Objectivists often accuse them of being overly individualistic and lacking empathy for those in need. They question the practicality of laissez-faire capitalism in addressing social problems, such as poverty and inequality. Moreover, they accuse Objectivists of creating an unrealistic perception of human nature and morality, due to the lack of compassion.
• Objectivists often find themselves at odds with collectivist ideologies. They firmly stand their ground that the focus should not be put into helping everyone but into the belief of the individual's importance and not into the collective good. Objectivists believe in the power of the self, and the power of the individual's rational ability to determine what is correct.