1. In the early 1970’s, Leonard Peikoff gave two lecture series on the history of philosophy. (These are available on the ARI’s site for free [as are many of the other older Peikoff lecture courses, such as "The Philosophy of Objectivism" and "Objective Communication," both of which feature Rand herself during Q&A sessions.] Now the second of these has been edited and published as Founders of Western Philosophy: Thales to Hume. Greg and I reviewed it on Amazon. I pointed out Peikoff’s misunderstanding of certain aspects of Christianity and Greg pointed out Peikoff’s eccentric views of various philosophers. (Shortly thereafter several brief five star reviews appeared.) Let’s just say that this book’s importance is limited to historians of Objectivism. I haven’t read any recent histories of Western philosophy, but for those who are interested in video lecture courses, Wondrium (The Great Courses) has many for a reasonable price.
2. The Ayn Rand Institute will soon be publishing select essays from Robert (“Rewrite”) Mayhew’s edited volumes on Ayn Rand’s four novels. I’ve read many of these essays. While not particularly critical, they are worth reading. The essays by Shoshana Milgram on the writing of Rand’s novels fill in some details about Rand’s life. (While I have no reason to distrust these essays, the ARI doesn’t have a good track record matters related to Rand’s life.)
3. Someone asked Yaron Brook if Leonard Peikoff is morally perfect. Brook was not amused.
Ukraine War; Israel; Public Schools; Nationalism Backfires | YBS: News Roundup July 24
