Articles

One of America’s leading public intellectuals for nearly half a century, Walter Williams (1936–2020) defended free markets, championed individualism, and fought to liberate blacks and other minorities from destructive ideas and policies.

Thomas Reid is not only an excellent foil against which to compare and better understand Ayn Rand’s views, his fierce wit, clear exposition of philosophic problems, and insightful solutions make him a thinker worth reading in his own right.

Welcome to the Spring 2021 issue of The Objective Standard. Features include “Walter Williams: Intransigent Individualist,” by Aaron Briley, “Common Sense for Objectivists: Five Reasons for Fans of Ayn Rand to Study Thomas Reid,” by Jon Hersey, and more.

Craig Biddle recently joined Dennis Prager for a wide-ranging discussion about religion, Objectivism, and American values.

Margaret Thatcher is one of the most controversial figures in modern history. Some consider her to have been a cruel, heartless villain who destroyed jobs and livelihoods, whereas others revere her as a valiant defender of liberty and the free market who saved her country’s economy.

I’m excited to announce Objective Standard Institute’s brand new “Republic of Letters.” This is a meetup group for active writers who have taken (or are taking) one of OSI’s writing courses or have published an article with The Objective Standard.

Before 2020, no U.S. state had ever issued indiscriminate and indeterminate statewide lockdown orders.

Root’s book provides a thoroughly researched and readable introduction to the arguments that formed the basis of what has rightly been called the “refounding” of the United States a century and a half ago—and that remain relevant today.

"Karl Marx taught that if you are a capitalist, you’re controlled by your so-called 'class interest,' but, of course, there is no such thing. People make decisions based on the ideas they accept as true." —George Reisman

We need to distinguish between the organization Black Lives Matter and those who support the idea that black lives matter.

Supporters of wind and solar energy present these industries as modern, competitive, and poised to replace fossil fuels in a “great energy transition.” One of their “selling points” is that generating so-called renewable energy creates more jobs. Indeed, it does—but is this a pro or a con?

In his talk, "Your Superpower for Success in a Distracted World," Dr. Newport will discuss principles and practices for engaging in deep work, concentrating without distraction, and pushing your cognitive capabilities to their limit.

If we want a color-blind and merit-based classical music industry, then merit is the only thing we should consider. Such an industry would enable musicians to thrive and foster a culture in which they can create and perform the best quality music.

Wonder Woman 1984 is a dark film that reflects writer/director Patty Jenkins’s sense of life and her confusions concerning morality and capitalism.

If you have a youthful soul or are a parent looking for the rare story that shows that heroism is not inborn or altruistic but the result of one’s choices and rational values, Hercules belongs on your watchlist.