Ayn Rand Recantation?

I am taking a class where we talk about current events, debate, etc. I'm known as the crazy radical who's part of the great Randian cult/conspiracy. Anyway, we discussed Rand in class one day, and the teacher casually mentions "Oh yes, did you know that Rand actually recanted a lot of that Objectivism (nonsense was implied here) when she was on her death bed?" I have searched bios on Rand, and have not been able to find anything about this mysterious part of her life. Does anyone know anything about Rand RECANTING certain parts of her philosophy? I think my teacher is either making it up or getting false information, but it always pays to search for the facts.

Post 1

Tuesday, December 2, 2003 - 6:06am

P.S. She also said that I'd be likely to find this information at the Nathaniel Branden Institute. I am having a hard time finding this institute. Does it still exist?

Post 2

Tuesday, December 2, 2003 - 6:40am

Contact him directly at:
nathaniel_branden@yahoogroups.com
or
the Yahoo group is
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/nathaniel_branden/

We'd be interested in what he says.

Post 3

Tuesday, December 2, 2003 - 3:04pm

Thanks for the address! I just emailed Mr. Branden, and I will post his response here as soon as I get it.

Post 4

Friday, December 5, 2003 - 6:34am

Tommy,

What nonsense your teacher spouts. University teachers becoming self-proclaimed experts on Ayn Rand and her philosophy, and grossly misrepresenting her ideas in the process, is something I too have experienced. I'll never forget one teacher telling the class how Ayn Rand endorsed burning down buildings if it gave one a kick, in the name of ethical egoism. There's no getting aroung it - the lack of scholarship and intellectual honesty about Rand in academia from some is just disgusting. That said, I believe from other experiences that there are many out there in academia willing to listen, provided one drops the ARI-style zealotry.

Post 5

Friday, December 5, 2003 - 4:10pm

Cameron, I would hardly categorize myself as an "ARI zealot," in fact, I had never even mentioned Rand in any discussion until my teacher brought her up, making the observation that mine and Rand's beliefs seemed similar. Ever since then, I have been unable to shake the stereotype. Beyond the ability to spot Objectivists, you're right-on with your assumption that she knows very little about it.

She holds very firm to her belief that Objectivism and laissez-faire capitalism means corporations are allowed to buy senators and dictate policy, Enron (she loves bringing up Enron, as if it was some sort of victory for her) CEOs are allowed to loot their employee's retirement funds, and that rich people are never accountable for their actions, while the poor are rounded up and shot.

Post 6

Saturday, December 6, 2003 - 8:15am