The Age of Rand: Imagining an Objectivist Future World [Paperback]

Frederick Cookinham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2005

"Do I think that Objectivism will be the philosophy of the future? I would say yes, but..."—Ayn Rand to Playboy Magazine, 1964.

"My views will probably be the norm in the future, but not right now."—Ayn Rand to Johnny Carson, 1967.

Will they? The Age of Rand describes what Ayn Rand's philosophy, Objectivism, will mean in practice—for good and ill. Rand expressed her controversial ideas in her best–selling novels, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Every year, more commentators debate those ideas, often heatedly.

Frederick Cookinham asks questions no author has asked before:

· Would Objectivists destroy the environment in favor of rampant development?
· Why will Objectivist civilization be built on the oceans and in space?
· Is Objectivism a "Nietzschean Superman" philosophy?

Ayn Rand often said, "Check your premises, and watch your implications!" Explore, in The Age of Rand, the astounding implications of this fast–growing and provocative new system of ideas. Some philosophy will dominate this new century—be prepared if it turns out to be Ayn Rand's.

"Frederick Cookinham has written something of great worth to thousands who have been affected by Rand's work."—Andrea Millen Rich, Laissez Faire Books.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frederick Cookinham, 51, offers a series of walking tours called Ayn Rand’s New York. He has been observing the Objectivist and libertarian movements for thirty-seven years, and has written for several movement magazines. He lives in Queens, New York with his wife, Belen. Visit his website, www.centurywalkingtours.com for more information.

Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (June 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595351530
• ISBN-13: 978-0595351534
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative and Thought-provoking, August 29, 2005

By 

Judith Byorick - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Age of Rand: Imagining an Objectivist Future World (Paperback)

Ayn Rand and Objectivism have inspired a substantial and growing number of written works. Most of them deal with either biographical matters or analyses of her philosophy.

This book is different.

The Age of Rand assumes at least a working knowledge of Rand's works on the reader's part; to quote from the introduction, "Relating, integrating, finding the connections--between Rand's past, present and future, her place in the long perspective of history--that is the purpose of this book." The author takes Rand's vision and runs with it -- in a number of different directions, speculating on how a future world in which Rand's ideas have been widely or universally adopted might look.

But wait -- there's more. This "speculation" about such a future isn't simply fanciful fantasizing based on utopian dreams, but is grounded in a broad and thorough knowledge of history, and is well supported with examples from past events and long-term trends. The book also includes excellent arguments in support of Objectivism, and provides a great deal of practical advice on how to get to the "Age of Rand".

Some of the treats in store for the reader: a superb analysis of the true nature of altruism; and a fascinating synthesis of the minarchist position and the anarchist position guaranteed to generate intense discussion.

The book is beautifully written, with a richness, depth, and clarity that make the reading a pleasure. The author doesn't hesitate to criticize Rand where criticism is called for, and certainly doesn't hesitate to improve on the master's work. But such criticisms and improvements are in the details, not in the essentials. Running through every chapter is Cookinham's quiet, steady passion for Rand's vision for life as it might be and ought to be.

Highly recommended.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REFRESHING, INSIGHTFUL LOOK AT AYN RAND AND THE OBJECTIVISTS, June 9, 2006

By 

Gerald M. Biggers (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Age of Rand: Imagining an Objectivist Future World (Paperback)

After all the bitter and spiteful fulminations that have been written about novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand and Objectivism, how refreshing it is to come upon a book that can treat this subject with even-handedness, optimism, and even good-natured humor.

Mr. Cookinham, a native of New York City, a student and participant in the Objectivist movement for some thirty years, and the originator of an Ayn Rand-oriented walking tour in NYC, is ideally equipped to explain what Ayn Rand and Objectivism is all about.

Based on his first-hand knowledge of both the philosophy and the movement(s) that developed around it, Mr. Cookinham explains what has attracted so many people, how some have successfully applied Objectivist principles to further their life and careers, and also why a vocal minority instead descended into factionalism and other infighting.

But above the description of the philosophy and the colorful personalities (in addition to Ayn Rand) that developed and/or were attracted to it, the author goes on to develop some intriguing speculations on what the future might hold for this dynamic philosophy. He offers some optimistic (and some not-so-optimistic) scenarios on where Objectivism may be heading and the effects that its continued growth may have on the culture.

But it is this thought-provoking focus on "imagining an Objectivist future world" that makes this book stand out and sets it apart from all the other published surveys of Ayn Rand and her ideas. This is a first-rate achievement!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Objective Objectivism, July 19, 2005

By 

James Smith - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Age of Rand: Imagining an Objectivist Future World (Paperback)

Mr. Cookinham takes his readers through a realistic walk of history from a professional historian's point of view. Openly, he cites the benefits conferred by the practice of objectivism and the humanness of the founders and their time. If there is a top to the top, Fred takes us there. This book is a look into a possible and probable future where there is a rule by law, not by force, and not by rulers. He shows how this future is possible based on the past actions of the Heroes in our world and the U.S. The Age of Rand, Imagining an Objectivist Future is a professional, creative, reality based rung to grip in our climb toward a better world. It will happen!