Yaron Brook Debates David Pakman on Ayn Rand

Watch the first in a series of four discussions between Ayn Rand Institute chairman Yaron Brook and David Pakman about Ayn Rand and Objectivism. Pakman is the host of the internationally syndicated television and radio program The David Pakman Show.

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[DrFunk-rkyl]

She didn't come to this country with nothing. Her family supported her for quite awhile.

[hopefulforhumanity]

Getting a job that one is not qualified for is a very stressful, unpleasant situation.

[folkers]

I come from a poor family and I felt it very demeaning to be on welfare, It was the best motivation for me to “fight” my way out that way of life. Pampering is paralyzing

[JoeZoch]

I don’t think I’d call this a debate. The host is all over the place. It’s simply an inquiry into Objectivism.

[zachbarton]

Not getting a job in the USA to avoid "absolutely horrible conditions"... THere are so many unemployed overweight (not starving) Americans (and non-americans) in this country doing quite fine with plenty of checks coming in

[chrisblatner]

I tried to get political news from all sides, and I don't agree with what most of he says but I actually like David He's a lot more respectful than most on that side of the aisle

[Avidcomp]

Actually John Galt says "Existence is Identity, consciousness is identification". Both parts are essential. To quote "Existence is identity" does sound a little Deepak on it's own perhaps. But the quote includes both parts. Things are things, and our mind identifies all the particular differences.
That one metaphysical/epistemological point alone is actually the most divisive, because it is incompatible with all religion. So it's worth stating from the outset. If one's opponent cannot agree that point, it is a futile endeavour to move forward. You'd have to ask on what basis is it not true? and how do they know? to which the only real answer is faith, which means to subjugate reason, which means that mere emotions choose when reason is valid and when it's not, which means reason is invalid.

[dylanholt]

I love when Pakman’s primary criticism of Yaron’s ethics is that they are dismissive, but when Yaron brings up affirmative action, Pakman has to jump in saying “BUT THATS VERY RARE” lolol

[SpacePatrollerLaser]

I remember the original "affirmative action" as it was presented in the late summer of 1969. It was a PRIVATE initiative to establish recruitment presence in economically depressed areas. That did not mean skin color, sex or anything; just do you want a job and are you abile to do it? There were no minority set-asides or quotas. It was recruitment, not hiring

[tycade]

Wow! I can't believe how so many lecture on Rands teachings and try to elaborate where there is no need for expansion on her topics. She was as clear as needed, and simplified the most complicated topics. To hear others try to talk for her is ridiculous and a waste of time. Just a bunch of BS about nothing.

[andrewbalderree]

I believe Rand did say existence is identity. For something to exist, it must be something in particular. Identity is a consequence of existence. If it exists, it is something.

[justifiably_stupid]

Yaron, even in post retirement-retirement, pulling up his sleeves and doing the hard work needed.

[GallaiTamas]

This guy, David Pakman, either lives a life of constant emergency or at least hold the "malevolent universe" premise as Ayn Rand would say. He simply cannot grasp the distinction between normality and abnormality. I have no word to express how much annoying such an attitude is.

Expecting a code of morality devised for normal life to give answers to borderline cases of abnormality and embergency situations is outrageously idiotic. To do so one must believe for some reason that the real world out there is both unknowable and unintelligible, as well as life is not about thriving and happiness, but some survival exercise.

I really do not know how can one even live with such an outlook.

[BARRIE-Chgo]

Looking forward to the next debate! I was on the left and right so I am now an Independent, nobody in DC cares about me

[americafirst]

Howard Roark had a vision on the type of work he wanted to be erected, I believe Yaron was trying to explainabout how his philosophical view of life ultimately led Roark to pass a comission, in short term. But a man of principal like Roark wants to live a life where he knew his principles and his ability were right, thus he choose not to alter something which was made by his vision i.e integrity. And really being moral is practical.

[davidblankenau]

This isn’t a debate, but a class where Yaron attempts to teach a stubborn and thick-headed student. ☺️

[pleaseenteraname]

One thing I give David props for. Is he doesn’t just assert his opponents are evil I mean he does do that sometimes, but I think he actually attempts some of the time to understand their positions unlike other people, and he doesn’t conflate objectivists with libertarians.

[memtesin]

I would love to see a small govt utopia but the truth is, those who can do it, aren't doing it. People are not righteous and perfect and suffering exists for many different reasons, ergo, we need govt to step in.

It's hard to believe and disheartening that we are having these discussions at all. Is it really because people are ignorant or just inhuman, heartless and greedy?

[Seattle-]

David Pakman NAILS IT at 25:13. He takes Yaron Brook back into the world of reality. Nepotism is the REAL affirmative action in the workplace.

[La_Maquina]

The part when the job application is explained comes from the lack of skill in people. The best thing you can do in order to apply for the job is to develop the skill first and then apply for it. I can’t become a neurosurgeon if I never studied neurosurgery. I don’t want to become a neurosurgeon because I don’t have the skill to do it. It would benefit me and my family greatly if I was a neurosurgeon. But I’m not, I don’t have the skill nor the degree. Basically a rational person would work on developing the skill first, then apply for the job.