RoR: Forum

Wow,
      I'm impressed. That's quite a bit of work you've done incorporating different self-help theories into the structure of the Objectivist ethics. The only thing is, it looks to me like the exposition is a little too complicated. Is there any way this could be explained in simpler terms? It looks like alot of this is saying the same thing over and over in different language. I wonder if we could come up with a unified set of terms to express these concepts and perhaps cut alot of excess baggage out of the theory in that way?
     I thought the most interesting thing in the article was the stuff about how to use day planners to apply Objectivism to your life.
    Luther is on the right track. More stuff like this needs to be done in the Objectivist movement.

---------------------------Tom Blackstone

http://tomsphilosophy.tripod.com

Post 1

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 12:42pm

Tom,

I suppose I could break this apart into separate articles that fit the 1000 word limit and then just link to those from the Web site. On the other hand, having all the material in one place might serve people better. I want to motivate newcomers to implement Objectivist values quickly.

Let us see what other commentators have to say.

Luke Setzer

Post 2

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 12:57pm

Mr. Setzer (and fellow Floridian),

Excellent work, you obviously put a lot of work into this. Nevertheless, I must agree with Mr. Blackstone, it may be a bit too much for any single article. Perhaps a breakdown into 2 parts; the first being the brief history and introductory portion that would include the very broad fundementals, the second article being a breakdown of the details which would include the worksheet portions.

George W. Cordero

(Edited by George W. Cordero on 8/21, 5:47am)

Post 3

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 1:21pm

Hi,

Let me offer a draft breakdown at your suggestion:

Introduction stays in the Welcome message.
Objectivism and the Nature of Living Organisms breaks into a separate article.
History and Relevance of Franklin Covey breaks into a separate article.
The Productivity Pyramid breaks into a separate article.
The Reality Model breaks into a separate article.
The Enhanced Tri-Quation breaks into a separate article.
Manifestation Levels of the Objectivist Ethics stays in the Welcome message.
Objectivism and Microsoft Outlook breaks into a separate article.
Franklin Covey Models and Live Discussions of Objectivism stays in the Welcome message.
Recommended Reading stays in the Welcome Message.

What do you think?

Luke Setzer

Post 4

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 1:31pm

I believe the biographical portions about Covey (#3) could stay in the welcome message. Recommended reading should follow the end of both articles (you might as well include Brandens book, since you made a strong reference to him). Thats just my 2 cents. Good luck!

George

(Edited by George W. Cordero on 8/18, 1:40pm)

Post 5

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 4:08pm

This reminds me of the question:

If you came to a fork in the road, and one sign said: Heaven -- and the other said: Lectures on Heaven -- which would you choose?

Reading your welcome message makes me realize I must study it carefully for many months, rather than join Solo Florida.

Post 6

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 4:56pm

Luther - I'm inclined to agree with Barbara on this one. Going through the document I quickly got to the point of saying, Enough already! A "welcome" should be short & inspirational. I'd hold off on all the flow charts & spread sheets till later, & be very clear that all of it is optional, an arsenal of recommended tools.

Linz

Post 7

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 5:30pm

Okay, Barbara and Lindsay. I agree that I have a choice between attempting to lead a productive life and reading all of this. But, guys. We are old! (accept, of course, for Barbara). If I had the energy...
Look at the love in all this work! Look at the understanding of the philosophy! look at the vision to see how ideas meld and thereby become stronger!
My hat is off to you, sir.

Post 8

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 6:00pm

I have begun breaking the feast down into self-contained sandwiches and posting them to the articles queue as digestible snacks. I will gradually reduce the Welcome message banquet down to a meal of several optional courses via links in due time as the snacks clear the moderator butler's taste test.

Post 9

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 6:10pm

James - you wrote: "Look at the love in all this work! Look at the understanding of the philosophy! look at the vision to see how ideas meld and thereby become stronger!"

I entirely agree, & wasn't meaning to diminish that in any way - hope it didn't come across as nay-saying on my part. I understood Luke to be seeking feedback as to how much of it should be there up front, as a welcome. My advice - don't throw the whole kit & caboodle at everyone all at once. Show them the Heaven sign. Let 'em come in, & show them some *options*. :-)

Linz

Poor Luke! Probably sorry he asked already!! :-)

Post 10

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 6:12pm

Oooops! Looks as though we crossed there, Luke! :-) You in Florida, me in New Zealand!

Post 11

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 11:34pm