Jon Hersey's Articles
Politics & Rights, Science & Technology
DeSantis’s ‘Big Tech Bill’ Is Actually a Step Closer to the World Orwell Feared
Jon Hersey May 28, 2021
For the past several years, everyone from Sacha Baron Cohen to Elizabeth Warren to Donald Trump has advocated for strict new regulations on tech companies. But Florida’s new “Big Tech Bill” is not the solution it seems.
Good Living, Philosophy
Reach the Heights You Dream Of
Jon Hersey May 28, 2021
Each of us is capable of reaching the heights we dream of, if only we learn to respect our own mind and values, to take them seriously, and to stand true to the principles that sanction and encourage it. Sadly, most never get a firm grasp of such principles. . .
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Good Living, Philosophy
The Book that Helped Me Find Purpose in Life
Jon Hersey April 30, 2021
At seventeen, I had no purpose or direction. By twenty three, I had a job at a Nashville studio, a beautiful wife, and a solid sense of self. I turned my life around—and I couldn't have done it without this one book.
Arts & Culture, History, Politics & Rights
Celebrating Progress and Combating Complacency: An Interview with Virginia Postrel
Jon Hersey March 19, 2021
Award-winning writer Virginia Postrel discusses the stasist/dynamist divide, how it impacts people’s views on such things as style and glamour, and the incredible (though oft-overlooked) achievements that made possible the modern textile industry.
History, Philosophy
Common Sense for Objectivists: Five Reasons for Fans of Ayn Rand to Study Thomas Reid
Jon Hersey February 26, 2021
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.
Announcements
Introducing OSI’s Republic of Letters
Jon Hersey February 12, 2021
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.
Real Fake News
CDC Recommends against Americans Making New Year’s Resolutions
This just in from TOS’s Fake News department: As Americans were preparing to ring in the new year on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control dashed widespread hopes for a return to some semblance of normalcy in 2021, recommending that Americans refrain from making New Year’s resolutions.
Announcements, Education & Parenting
FEE Launches Webinars and Workshops for High Schoolers
Jon Hersey October 16, 2020
FEE partners with experts and top professors to bring high-quality instruction to high schoolers across the country.
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Science & Technology
Reinventing Flight: An Interview with Blake Scholl
Jon Hersey October 7, 2020
On October 7, 2020, Blake Scholl and his company Boom Supersonic unveiled XB-1, the first privately funded supersonic jet in history.
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Reviews
Facets of Ayn Rand: Memoirs by Mary Ann Sures and Charles Sures
Jon Hersey September 24, 2020
Pick up Facets of Ayn Rand and revel in stories about one of history’s greatest storytellers.
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Education & Parenting, Good Living
Tom Brady’s First-Handed Approach to Achievement
Jon Hersey September 16, 2020
Tom Brady talks about helping his kids see the difference between trying to be the best, which is inherently comparative, and doing their own best, an ever-evolving challenge that keeps one thinking in a first-handed way.
Economics
Jeff Bezos’s Beautiful Defense of American Entrepreneurialism
Jon Hersey August 5, 2020
I dare you to read—without shedding a tear of joy—Jeff Bezos's July 29 statement before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on Antitrust.
Arts & Culture
Raise a Glass of Trader José’s in Support of this ‘Fearless Flyer’
Jon Hersey July 31, 2020
Those who oppose the irrational trend of finding offense in everything should applaud Trader Joe’s—and celebrate with some ice-cold Trader José’s Mexican-style lager.
Politics & Rights
Thank You, Big Tech, for Unfriending China
Jon Hersey July 8, 2020
Tech companies get plenty of things wrong, but their response to China’s latest act of authoritarianism is not one of them. Thank you, big tech, for standing up for the rights of Hongkongers.
History, Politics & Rights
George Floyd, Revolutions, and the Path to Justice
Jon Hersey June 17, 2020
By burning and pillaging the property of their fellow citizens, rioters spit on the progress their forbears achieved under far worse circumstances.