STRIVE of College of Charleston hosted their kick-off event, “Ayn Rand’s Philosophy: What Is & What Isn’t”, to dispel misconceptions about Objectivism. Our club will delve into Rand’s systematic philosophy more in upcoming meetings and events, so we saw fit to clear away the common misunderstandings perpetuated by the media and naysayers.

Dr. Aaron Smith, the instructor for Ayn Rand Institute’s Objectivist Academic Center and Summer Internship, Skyped in and debunked well-known misbeliefs about Rand’s ideas, ranging from being a prescription for elitism to pursuing selfishness by means of infringing on people’s rights – neither of which are tenants of Objectivism.

Dr. Aaron Smith speaking to STRIVE about Objectivism.

Objectivism is fundamentally a philosophy that stands for using the faculty of the mind and embraces the three pillars of purpose, reason, and self-esteem. As Dr. Smith explained, “Ayn Rand is an advocate of reason. […] She doesn’t stand for hedonism. Values are based on things that are life-sustaining.”

Students were captivated and inquired more about Rand’s philosophy during the Q&A, asking for the Objectivist perspective on issues such as entitlement and environmental alarmism, all of which Dr. Smith addressed effectively.

Free copies of Ayn Rand’s fiction and nonfiction were made available after the event, and students quickly got their hands on them for their own independent study. I’m proud to say my event, in the spirit of Rand’s philosophy of rational happiness, engaged students’ rational faculties, and STRIVE continues to reach out with the purpose of changing students’ lives for the better.

With much gratitude, this event would not have been made possible without the activism grant provided by Students For Liberty. The generous funds covered advertising resources, tabling materials, computer accessories, and pizza and drinks for the meeting. To obtain the grant for your student organization and host an event as successful as mine, apply here.