Many fundamental aspects of American society are currently experiencing a significant decline, being eroded by a combination of social, economic, and political forces. It comes as no surprise to scholars of Ayn Rand, the esteemed Russian-born American author and philosopher, who predicted with remarkable accuracy many of the crises we face today. Ayn Rand understood that ideas shape history, and if those ideas are flawed, the outcomes will be as well. Yaron Brook, chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute, explains that the philosophical trends of the 1940s and 1950s were a cause for concern for Rand, as she recognized the eventual consequences they would have on culture, society, and politics.
Ayn Rand, born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1905, witnessed the Marxist revolution that occurred when she was just 12 years old. At the age of 21, she immigrated to the United States, where she went on to develop the philosophy of objectivism and write groundbreaking books such as “Atlas Shrugged” in 1957. Today, she is hailed as a champion of individual liberty and the core ideals that form the foundation of America.
Even her most ardent admirers might be surprised at how accurately she foresaw the current state of America. Here are five reasons why Ayn Rand had a deep admiration for the United States:
1. Rand anticipated the failures of the American education system. In recent decades, centralized educational bureaucracy has exerted its influence over local education, causing harm to both the system and the students. The establishment of the federal Department of Education in 1979 led to a reduction in the number of local school districts and diminished local control over education. This shift not only drained money from local communities, but also created a massive bureaucracy that had limited impact on improving education. It is widely acknowledged that American schools are failing to teach basic skills, causing anxiety and frustration among students, parents, and educators. Rand recognized this issue as a consequence of a flawed philosophical approach to education that was injected over a century ago.
2. Rand warned about government overreach into parental rights and authority. In recent years, government interference in the upbringing of children has become more prevalent and pervasive. School boards and bureaucrats often silence parents who seek to maintain a voice in public education. Legislators are actively working to strip parents of their decision-making power regarding their children’s medical care. Rand argued that the government should play no role in dictating how children should be raised, as parenting is the sole responsibility and right of parents themselves.
3. Rand predicted the dangers of victimhood culture. Once upon a time, American culture celebrated the idea that anyone, regardless of their identity, could succeed. While it is undeniable that disparities exist, America’s history shows countless examples of individuals from all walks of life who achieved success through hard work and determination. However, the rise of victimhood culture has eroded this belief, convincing millions of Americans that society is inherently against them and that their efforts are futile. Rand criticized this shift, referring to it as the deliberate breeding of helplessness and resignation, particularly in progressive schools that are dedicated to stifling cognitive development.
4. Rand warned about the stifling of intellectual freedom by an ever-expanding government. In recent decades, science, academia, and the arts have increasingly relied on government funding. Unfortunately, the intellectual and creative freedom that once made the United States a global leader has been replaced by conformity. Rand believed that government grants to the arts were detrimental, as they created obstacles for artists who lacked political connections and divergent aesthetic preferences. She also saw that government-controlled research led to a dearth of private industry research, forcing scientists to rely on government grants. This issue became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when scientists faced consequences for challenging politically motivated policies disguised as science.
5. Rand argued that capitalism would perish in a society dominated by cancel culture. American-style capitalism has generated unprecedented wealth and opportunity throughout history. Rand criticized the moral corruption of the left for advocating utopian philosophies and pushing the United States towards statism. However, she was equally critical of conservatives and traditionalists who failed to defend capitalism in the face of public pressure or cancel culture. She believed that capitalism was hindered by the conflict between its principles and the prevailing moral code of altruism. Over time, the belief that government can provide happiness through political altruism has grown stronger, further threatening the capitalist system.
In conclusion, Ayn Rand’s insights into the current state of America are both profound and remarkably accurate. Her observations about the flaws in the education system, government overreach, victimhood culture, stifled intellectual freedom, and the dangers of cancel culture hold significant relevance today. By recognizing these issues, we can strive to build a society that upholds the pillars of individual liberty, rational thinking, and the principles that have made America a beacon of opportunity for centuries.
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