Book Review: Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand

Philosophy: Who Needs It is a collection of essays by Ayn Rand. In them, she summarizes her philosophical views and argues for rationality and unbiased observation, and brings up her objectivism philosophy. She sees philosophical principles important part of our lives, arguments, and communication. She argues that we should understand philosophy better to understand better how we all use it in our lives even in things like proverbs.

I agree with Ayn Rand on the importance of philosophy, using rationality, and using an objective view of the world. But I found her argumentation weak and biased in over one occasion in the collection. She disappointed me how she let her hatred guide her and judge others. However, I think we humans are prone to errors and are inseparable from our experiences that it is understandable where her hatred and scorn stems from for example Europe.

I’m not sure what I think about the book or what I should say to you. Yes, follow Ayn Rand and read philosophy even those she despised like Rawls, Aristoteles, and Kant and form your own mind. This collection is worthy of your time, but it helps to have read her previous works and know something about her before you start. I think it is a good thing to give yourself a reality check and read something you don’t agree with or you have certain expectations. Ayn Rand is often misunderstood, but she never helped the case. There is something in her which makes it easy to surpass, ignore, and hate her which is a sad thing as she should have as a rightful change to state her views as of any other philosopher.