[MD] Objectivism and the MOQ

[Ham Priday]

Hi Laramie --

> Please rest assured that we agree on the importance of
> "proprietary awareness", regardless of what Rand might
> have to say on the subject.

Ahhhh -- (sound of Ham sighing relief.)

> But if PA is simply "our subjective identity as a human being"
> how do you account for the fact that so few share our point
> of view?  It seems that lower order value systems or
> perspectives must be getting in the way, and that's why I
> suggest that PA is a product of development.
> I'm NOT trying to complicate things, nor am I pushing for
> "snob appeal" or "elitism".

When you say "few share our point of view", do you mean here on the MD or as
individuals?

As individuals, everyone is a point of view -- metaphysically,
valuistically, and socially.  That's what individualism is all about in my
book.  I assume you regard PA as a product of SELF development, even though
you didn't qualify it as such.

I'm not sure what individualism means to the MoQers, apart from egotism,
conceit, and gross ingratitude for one's evolutionary and cultural heritage.
We are told that we "evolve to an intellectual level", but individuals are
not credited for developing it; instead it's a breakout of Quality which one
attains by denying his "selfness".  This rings of mystical supplication to
me -- kinda strange for a contemporary philosophy designed for the Western
world, isn't it?  (But then there is that ZEN connection.)

By the way, you haven't answered my question as to how one can be an
Objectivist and subscribe to a philosophy that rejects subject and object.
Rand appears to be a strong believer in the objective reality of logical
positivism.  To her, existence has primacy over
the subjective mind.  I would assume that she, like the Pirsigians, regards
conscious awareness as a byproduct of biological evolution.  On the other
hand, whereas Pirsig is quite emphatic in citing Experience as responsible
for existential reality, Rand hardly even mentions it.   Where do you stand
on this issue, Laramie; or don't you see man's autonomy and Freedom as
unique in the world?

Essentially yours,
Ham