Don Watkins on the Importance of Ayn Rand's Ideas

Don Watkins will talk on Ayn Rand's provocative ideas -- and advocate their vital importance today.

Why does Ayn Rand Matter? She is the controversial author of Atlas Shrugged and creator of a philosophy she called Objectivism. Her ideas are controversial, often misrepresented and misunderstood. Among those ideas is that of "rational selfishness," which she championed in her books and lectures.

Don Watkins - an active member of the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) - is one of today's most vocal opponents of the welfare state. He has done studies on inequality, social security reform, the welfare state and the moral foundations of capitalism. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV programs, and speaks and debates regularly at conferences and university campuses.

Along with Yaron Brook, he has co-authored the national best-seller

Free Market Revolution: How Ayn Rand's Ideas Can End Big Government .

Watkins also has a new book soon to be published: Equal is Unfair: America's Misguided Fight Against Income Inequality.

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During a recent HOAC program, concepts like spirituality, altruism, and selfishness were discussed. When Ayn Rand's use of the concept of selfishness was introduced, the reactions varied from "Who is Ayn Rand?" to expression of some strong feelings about her philosophy and world view. Hopefully, this talk will clarify and broaden our understanding of Rand's philosophy.

[The information on our March program was provided by Lou Regal, slightly edited by Juan Bernal.]

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As usual our program allows for a Q&A period following the presentation.