Andrew Bernstein (1) (1949–)

In this phenomenal work, Dr. Bernstein not only provides an abundance of factual information demonstrating the economic and moral superiority of capitalism, he also lays out the introductory framework of the philosophical theory that explains it. He begins by putting the advent of capitalism in its proper historical perspective, and includes chapters explaining the economic theory behind its enormous practical success as well as refuting common (yet clearly silly, after Dr. Bernstein is show more through with them) charges against capitalism (such as that it causes war, imperialism, and slavery).

But by far the most interesting and valuable chapters are those at the heart of the book, in which he provides a *moral* defense of capitalism, based on Ayn Rand's ethical theory of rational egoism. Dr. Bernstein understands that the system that promotes individual success and happiness on this earth (and who else's success and happiness is there to promote?) cannot be logically defended on altruistic grounds, and more: that it doesn't need to be, because egoism, as the system that does just that, is the only proper morality for mankind.

If any active-minded person reads this book and is not convinced by the wealth of information it provides, the only explanation is that they're suffering from a 'great disconnect' of their own (see Dr. Bernstein's introduction and afterword).

Highly recommended. show less

The weakest part of this book is the opening chapter summarizing the relevant principles of Objectivist philosophy. Bernstein's summary is pretty general and abstract, so it is not likely to convince anyone who is not already sympathetic to his views. But he is aware of that, and that is not his purpose here---for a broader philosophical framework, and more in-depth arguments in support of it, he refers the reader to his own previous books (The Capitalist Manifesto, Objectivism in One show more Lesson, and Capitalism Unbound), as well as those of Leonard Peikoff (particularly Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand) and of course Ayn Rand herself (such as Atlas Shrugged, The Virtue of Selfishness, and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal). And indeed, one would probably do well to have read at least one of those other books before picking up this one.

That said, the bulk of the book, in which Dr. Bernstein applies the relevant principles of Objectivism laid out in the first section to some of today's major political issues, is by and large excellent. There are chapters on environmentalism, Islamic totalitarianism, health care, abortion, and education, as well as a chapter dealing more briefly with several other issues, such as the war on drugs, immigration, and gay marriage. On most of these topics, he supplies a wealth of relevant data and shows how in every case political freedom---i.e., the recognition and protection of individual rights---is both moral and practical. This adds up to a powerful integration, which is the theme of the book: the superiority of free markets to state control over individual judgment. Definitely worth reading. show less

Here is a simple introduction to the life and philosophy of Ayn Rand. Along with being the founder of Objectivism, she also wrote Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, two of the 20th Century’s most famous novels.

The Fountainhead takes place in the 1920s and 1930s, and is about Howard Roark, a modernist architect in a society that prefers buildings that look like Gothic cathedrals or Greek temples. He is expelled from college, gets fired from one job and loses commissions because of his show more absolute refusal to compromise his principles. After, unwillingly, working in a quarry, because he was forced out of the architecture field, Roark designs a revolutionary apartment house in New York City. As part of a socialist plot to neutralize Roark, his revolutionary design for a religious temple is criticized as sacrilege, so Roark is branded an enemy of religion and a public enemy. Commissioned to design a government housing project, Roark’s design is changed without his knowledge or consent. Does Roark let it go ahead, or not?

In Atlas Shrugged, America is being pushed toward socialism by politicians and intellectuals; also, America’s greatest minds are literally disappearing. Where are they going?

In an isolated part of the Colorado Rockies, Dagny Taggart, railroad owner, finds America’s missing smart people. They are on strike against a moral code which says that moral goodness is found in sacrificing one’s self for others, not in finding personal happiness. Taggart also meets John Galt, inventor of an ultra-efficient motor, and leader of the strike. The state kidnaps Galt, and tortures him, in order to force him to become economic dictator of America, and to fix America’s precarious economy. Does Galt give in, or stay true to his principles?

For anyone who has read either of Rand’s books, and still don’t understand them, this is the book. For anyone who wants to know more about Objectivism, this is the book. For anyone who simply wants to know more about a famous person of the 20th Century, this is the book. It is a gem. show less

The Capitalist Manifesto defends capitalism as the world's most moral and practical social system. This book is written for the rational mind, whether the reader is a professional intellectual or an intelligent layman. It makes the case for individual rights and freedom in terms intelligible to all rational men.

"The key to explaining capitalism's unparalleled economic success is dual: to show that it alone is the system that guarantees individual liberties, and to demonstrate that political show more liberty is an indispensable requirement of man's life on earth."—Andrew Bernstein show less