Sunday, October 6, 2013

Jerry Bonnell's Comment on Stefano Campana's Reaction

Stefano, I find some of your views problematic. You mention "that achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life." Later, you cite Everyday Tao as evidence for your claim. However, the metaphor of the assassin among the city of citizens actually sheds lights on the fact that we must be considerate of others and their feelings as we attempt to eliminate desire. Eastern philosophers do not generally advocate pursuit of desire, but rather the elimination of it. They firmly believe that one must live a life free of harm to others. If desire is the only moral purpose of life, then why does it lead to morally troublesome actions, such as infidelity? Rearden pursues Dagny and sleeps with her on several occasions throughout the novel (without breaking ties with Lillian) simply because his "desire" wills it. Is this just? If so, why has our society coined the phrase "cheating"? A relationship has terms and conditions, most significantly, the condition that both partners should be faithful to each other. When that condition is broken, one is cheating and thus breaking the norms of society.

You also describe Rearden as a character "that has extraordinary mental capabilities, is accustomed to being in control" and draws strength from his accomplishments. Throughout the duration of the novel, Rearden is the subject to the whims of his family, the government, and countless other individuals. He is wealthy, yet his consistently manipulated by those around him. Lillian accuses him for not spending enough time with his family while the looters' world forces him to hire an unproductive staff for the sake of "helping others." This ultimately culminates into losing his own industry. If he is the manifestation of these "extraordinary mental capabilities," then why is he so weak?





























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