In Praise of SOLO
by Jason Dixon
One of the reasons Objectivism excited me initially was the fact that its ultimate aim was to allow human beings to thrive as human beings. Rand's constant advocacy of "man qua man" confirmed my own premise that a successful philosophy had to take into account human existence on this Earth—i.e., human existence on this Earth. Her focus on passion and the good (and passion for the good), both in her fiction and in her essays, made me realize that one could be a rational person—even an intellectual—and still absolutely love living. As I began to integrate Objectivism into my life and mind I saw my cynicism disappear; I felt my respect increase for the human potential; and I felt my emotions deepen without feeling out of control. This rational passion and feeling is one of the most exciting developments for me, someone who had been described as too emotional in the past and who was afraid I had to suppress my emotions in order to be rational.
This fire for Objectivism and Rand's writing was flamed again when I found Sense of Life Objectivists. I had sought out Objectivist-related websites and forums and been left for the most part unsatisfied. A new friend suggested I check out SOLO, and I did. Exploring the website and reading the Credo in particular, I felt as if I had found the place I could focus my energy and maybe even a place that could become my "home" on the web. In the past few months none of my expectations has been disappointed. I've been surprised at just how fully SOLO has fulfilled its objectives and how much more I have found here than I ever expected. An uncompromising mission coupled with an open, friendly atmosphere seems to be the perfect formula for attracting and keeping some of the greatest people I've seen on the net. Many SOLOists have a keen mind and principled stand but at the same time humor, consideration, and what comes across as true happiness. This is a refreshing mixture and one I take as an indication of a consistently rational person.
I have seen righteous indignation that made me want to walk a little straighter with pride (George W. Cordero’s "What Will They Think Of Us?"); I have read such a humorous treatment of such an important subject that I laughed aloud (Alec Mouhiban’s "Politics and Sex"), and—believe me—that’s an unusual sound to hear from a cubicle; I have read an excellent treatment of a much-avoided topic in Objectivist circles (Edward W. Younkin’s "A Randian Definition of the Common Good"); I have read a unique approach to a subject usually taken for granted, and one that reminded me that our enemies’ enemies are not necessarily our friends ("A Question of Conscience," also by George W. Cordero). In short, I have seen repeated examples that at least many (maybe most) SOLOists are integrated human beings, capable of and eager for rational discussion but determined to feel deeply.
I hold great hope for the future of Objectivism thanks to SOLO and the people it has brought together.
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