Ayn Rand, the Valuer

In this episode of New Ideal Live, Aaron Smith interviews Harry Binswanger on Ayn Rand’s distinctive value-centered approach to philosophy — and to living life. As a long-time student of Rand and close friend in her final years, Binswanger shares his recollections of Rand’s passionate quest of values, both as presented in her works and ideas and in her personal life.

Among the topics covered:

Ayn Rand’s integration of fact and value in philosophy and how it contrasts with traditional views;
How Rand answered long-standing philosophical questions about the basis and importance of values;
Why Rand held that material values have deep spiritual meaning;
Why the idea that there are no “blacks” and “whites” in morality is wrong;
How Binswanger came to know Ayn Rand and the impact she had on him;
The profound self-esteem that comes with achieving values one cares deeply about;
How Rand brought a philosophical perspective to every aspect of life;
The careful thinking that goes into pursuing what one really wants;
Some of Rand’s personal values, both minor and major.

Recommended in this episode are Leonard Peikoff’s “My Thirty Years with Ayn Rand: An Intellectual Memoir” and Mary Ann Sures and Charles Sures’ Facets of Ayn Rand.

The podcast was recorded on February 2, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here.