Andrew Bernstein's Articles
Arts & Culture, Politics & Rights
The Terrifying Prescience of George Orwell’s 1984
Andrew Bernstein February 21, 2023
First and foremost a magnificent novel, George Orwell’s 1984 is also a terrifyingly prescient political commentary. Written by an Englishman in 1949, it substantially mirrors the trajectory of American politics today.
Arts & Culture, Good Living
Life Lessons from Literary Tragedies
Andrew Bernstein November 21, 2022
Superb literary tragedy induces in us unforgettable intellectual-emotional experiences of human error leading to the agonizing downfalls of even great (or formerly great) men. As philosophy, it does not tell but shows us in searing action many major errors to avoid if a flourishing life is our goal.
Good Living, Reviews
Soul Celebrations and Spiritual Snacks by Alexandra York
Andrew Bernstein November 21, 2022
In Soul Celebrations and Spiritual Snacks, York draws our attention to two areas where many could benefit from focusing more and more regularly: the deep need for ongoing spiritual renewal—and numerous specific means by which to attain it.
Arts & Culture, Ayn Rand & Objectivism
Dominique Francon: Ayn Rand’s Profoundly Misunderstood Heroine
Andrew Bernstein May 21, 2022
Because Dominique is The Fountainhead's heroine and second most important character, we will not fully understand the book (arguably one of the greatest novels in literature) if we do not comprehend her character.
History, Philosophy
Heroes and Villains in Western Philosophy
Andrew Bernstein February 21, 2022
The heroes of philosophy from Thales to Rand—and preeminently Aristotle—have provided us with a priceless gift. In sundry forms, heroes support human life. Nowhere is this truth more powerful than with the heroes of philosophy.
History, Philosophy
The Evil of Judaism and the Goodness of Jews
Andrew Bernstein August 25, 2021
Jews have been irrationally blamed for many crimes. In reality, their “sin” was to birth the first faith-based, supernatural religion to deeply influence Western history.
History, Reviews
Creating Christ: How Roman Emperors Invented Christianity by James Valliant and Warren Fahy
Andrew Bernstein April 20, 2021
Creating Christ provides a trove of unprecedented insights about the genesis of the modern world’s most popular religion. All interested in Christianity’s provenance would do well to read this boldly original book.
Philosophy, Politics & Rights, Reviews
Black Lies Matter: Why Lies Matter to the Race Grievance Industry by Taleeb Starkes
Andrew Bernstein August 6, 2020
Black Lies Matter is a courageous, honest, and accurate exposé of Black Lives Matter—and of the Race Grievance Industry more broadly—and it deserves the attention of anyone who genuinely cares about black lives and civil society.
History, Politics & Rights
The White Rose: A Story of Unsurpassed Courage
Andrew Bernstein May 20, 2020
At the height of the Nazi reign of terror, a group of idealistic young Germans rose to challenge Hitler’s regime. In reference to the moral purity of their cause, they dubbed themselves the “White Rose.”
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Reviews
So Who Is John Galt, Anyway? by Robert Tracinski
Andrew Bernstein April 9, 2020
For those who have read Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and wish to dig deeper, Robert Tracinski’s So Who Is John Galt, Anyway? is an excellent companion.
Arts & Culture
Heroes of Great Literature
Andrew Bernstein February 21, 2019
What are the characteristics of heroes? And who are the heroes of great literature? This essay examines five exceptional protagonists.
Education & Parenting, Philosophy
Heroes and Villains in American Education
Andrew Bernstein August 13, 2018
Though their originators are mostly dead and gone, the ideas that sunk American education are still operative today. Those who offered rational alternatives have had little influence—but we can change that.
History, Politics & Rights
The Vindication of Joseph McCarthy
Andrew Bernstein November 20, 2016
Examines the myths and facts surrounding Joseph McCarthy and his efforts to expose communist infiltration into the U.S. government in the 1950s.
History, Philosophy
The Socialist Holocaust and its American Deniers
Andrew Bernstein August 14, 2016
On socialist theory and practice, the mass murders committed under various forms of the ideology, and the American professors who nevertheless advocate it.
Arts & Culture
A Mini-Renaissance in Film?
Andrew Bernstein March 21, 2016
Identifies what appears to be an upsurge in films celebrating genius, achievement, and moral stature—and mocking the dark premises of modernist culture.