Customer Reviews

Ominous Parallels (Ayn Rand Library, Vol 3)

5 star:		(4)
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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

"The Ominous Parallels" by Dr. Leonard Peikoff is a brilliant study uniting philosophy and history to identify the fundamental cause of the rise of Hitler and Nazism, and more broadly, of fascism.

Dr. Peikoff's theme is that actions follow from ideas. With passionate dedication to truth he quotes from the writings and speeches of the principle architects of Nazi Germany to show the ethical premises guiding their political actions and programs. The evidence is clearly presented. And it leads inexorably to the conclusion that the same ideas which made possible the horror that was Nazi Germany, currently dominates the intellectual establishment of the United States.

"The Ominous Parallels" is both a warning and an alert. It tells us what we should do to avoid becoming a fascist state. It alerts us to how far down that road we currently are.

Dr. Peikoff's "The Ominous Parallels" is also a rallying point for all of us who care deeply about the future of our country and the freedom of its citizens. It helps us to recognize that "it could happen here" if we do not change our views regarding the proper beneficiary of one's actions.

As a Jew, I have watched, read, and visited countless accounts of the Holocaust - but not one of them correctly identified the ideas that brought it about or the ideas that will prevent it from happening again. In some cases, I was first shocked by the accounts of survivors and then horrified when they offered as a solution the same ideas that created the Nazis.

"The Ominous Parallels" finally exposes the cause and answer to Fascism. Dr. Peikoff presents a compelling and cogent thesis on the evil of collectivism in terms of the fundamental ideas that shape our history by masterfully analyzing the intellectual and cultural climate that led to the Holocaust and its parallels to today's America. Along the way, he outlines the development of Western philosophy - from the glorious creation of the United States to the rise of skepticism, pragmatism, collectivism, and the Weimar culture. Broad philosophical, political, and cultural trends are analyzed and dissected according to their basic premises, as you will never hear in a history class.

Both those well read in and new to the philosophy of Objectivism will find this book accessible and the arguments reasoned out and supported by numerous examples. This is not light reading, however- I spent as much time pausing to digest and integrate the ideas in this book as I did reading it. Those unfamiliar with Objectivism may have some difficulty connecting the author's asides on abortion, physics, and religion to the central theme, but it does not detract from the overall message.

As Dr Peikoff states, it is impossible to predict the future or know whether the Holocaust will repeat itself - but it is certain that only by understanding and adopting a proper philosophy can America survive as a free country. If this book succeeds in teaching the world about the importance of ideas, then six million shall not have died in vain.

peikoff provides us with an in-depth view of the Kantian philosophies and how the were directly responsible for the rise of hitler in germany and the progressive movment in America. This is amongst the most important book I have read and urge anyone interested in knowing the truth about our situation today to read this book.

Timely delivery - book in specified condition, maybe even better - will use and recommend this buyer

While Mr. Peikoff has written a very thought provoking book, this book should be read with a very critical eye. I seriously question whether or not he is familiar with the material he references throughout this book.

Specifically, it is readily apparent that Peikoff has never thoroughly understood Nietzsche or the Greeks -- philosophers who he makes broad, sweeping remarks about. At least in the case of Nietzshe, Peikoff is so far off the mark with his understanding of Nietzschean philosophy that his remarks are almost comical as they don't just miss the mark, they quite often posit an opposite meaning.

I give this 3 stars simply because the skepticism, dissent, and critique of U.S. governement that "Ominous Parallels" instigates is not only worthwhile, it is necessary.

Mr. Skaoff -- if you're out there, contact me.

While Mr. Peikoff has written a very thought provoking book, this book should be read with a very critical eye. I seriously question whether or not he is familiar with the material he references throughout this book.

Specifically, it is readily apparent that Peikoff has never thoroughly understood Nietzsche or the Greeks -- philosophers who he makes broad, sweeping remarks about. At least in the case of Nietzshe, Peikoff is so far off the mark with his understanding of Nietzschean philosophy that his remarks are almost comical as they don't just miss the mark, they quite often posit an opposite meaning.

I give this 3 stars simply because the skepticism, dissent, and critique of U.S. governement that "Ominous Parallels" instigates is not only worthwhile, it is necessary.

Are there any John Galts coming up with a cure for cancer? and new math equation? anything? No No No. All we get from the objectivist is the type of balony found in The Ominous Parallels. A book for and by fanatics. Not science not history just the application of a crazy philosophy to produce a crazy book. The most mediocre people out there today are Objectivist.

Are ther any John Galts coming up with a cure for cancer? and new math equation? anything? No No No. All we get from the objectivist is the type of balony found in Ominous Parrells.