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on philosophy

Taoism The path of simplicity and subtlety

Objectivism The philosophy of reason and reality

Not as opposite as they may seem.
Both hold existence as primary over consciousness.
Both hold man competent to live by his own judgment.
And both hold man's life to be the standard of value -
Objectivism explicitly, classical Taoism implicitly.
Neither advocates duty, faith, force, or sacrifice.
Both are reality-based and individualist.
Objectivism is fully rational.
Its value is clear.
Taoism is not.
Its value is more obscure.

Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching "In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In daily life, be competent. In action, be aware of the time and the season." 6th century B.C.

Ayn Rand's Objectivism "My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute." 20th century A.D.

These two views span recorded history, human cultures, and the globe.
They are about what is good - not for society or country, but for one person.
In both I find the soul of humanity - individualism.

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