The Battle for Civilisation: Ayn Rand on the Anti-Industrial Movement

Is progress under attack? Explore Ayn Rand's radical critique of the forces she saw undermining reason, technology, and civilization itself.

In her powerful essay, "The Anti-Industrial Revolution," Ayn Rand lays bare what she identifies as a dangerous philosophical trend, arguing that certain ideologies of her time (and ours) are actively hostile to the very foundations of human progress: industry, technology, and the rational mind that enables them. Written as a fierce counter-argument to the burgeoning "New Left" and early environmental movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rand contends that these movements are not merely seeking reform, but a fundamental return to a pre-industrial, "primitive" state.

This discussion group will delve into:

• Rand's definition of the "anti-industrial revolution": What are its core tenets and how does it manifest in social and political movements?
• The target of her critique: How does Rand dissect the motivations and arguments of those she identifies as "anti-industrial," particularly in relation to environmentalism and the New Left?
• The value of industrial civilization: What does Rand argue are the essential benefits and moral imperatives of technological advancement and industrial productivity?
• The philosophical roots of anti-progress: What underlying philosophical premises does Rand identify as driving the desire for a "primitive" society?
• Enduring relevance: Do Rand's warnings about the "anti-industrial revolution" still resonate in today's world, particularly concerning debates on technology, climate, and economic development?

Join us for a rigorous and thought-provoking exploration of an essay that remains remarkably pertinent in an age grappling with the future of human ingenuity and prosperity. All perspectives are encouraged for a dynamic and insightful exchange.

The full text of the recommended reading for the discussion can be found at the link below:

https://courses.aynrand.org/works/the-anti-industrial-revolution/

The audio of Ayn Rand delivering her lecture on this topic can also be found at the link below:

https://youtu.be/2miVMfYwDXY?si=5yJFftZeETNSV-qG