4. What basis are you acting on if you audition for a Broadway show, after wanting to become a singer, you are an extremely competent singer, and you have performed on stage before?

5. What notion does Branden attempt to refute in his essay, "Isn't Everyone Selfish"?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Nathaniel Branden, why do mystics decree pride as an evil?

2. What commonly upheld principle does Rand deem evil in Western Society as stated in her essay on living a rational life?

3. Why does Rand reject the widely accepted views of morals and values in regard to human existence?

4. What is Ayn Rand's definition of judgment?

5. How does Rand describe the objectivist's act of good will?

6. How might one find pleasure in doing productive work?

7. According to Branden, what are the avenues where one would find pleasure, and why can one find pleasure in such avenues?

8. What are Branden's thoughts on anxiety and guilt as stated in his essay regarding Mental Health and Mysticism?

9. How does Rand define "context" in her explanation of the four considerations described?

10. How must one first begin to identify what is gray, according to Ayn Rand?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Rand's reasoning for considering the irrationality of philosophy and philosophers.

Essay Topic 2

Is it racist to think in terms of black and white? What are the similarities between racism and thinking in terms of black and white? What are the major differences? What does Rand say about each?

Essay Topic 3

Explain self-interest and its connection to reason as well as in terms of the choices one may make when motivated by self-interest.

(see the answer keys)

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