Nathaniel Branden Quote

“Individualism is at once an ethical-psychological concept and an ethical-political one. As an ethical-psychological concept, individualism holds that a human being should think and judge independently, respecting nothing more than the sovereignty of his or her mind; thus, it is intimately connected with the concept of autonomy. As an ethical-political concept, individualism upholds the supremacy of individual rights ...”

~ Nathaniel Branden

Capitalism: The Libertarian Vision
http://www.nathanielbranden.com/discussions/politics/capitalism-the-libertarian-vision/

Ratings and Comments


J Carlton, Calgary

As natural as the day is long....unless of course you suffer from Liberalism's "Hive Mentality".

Mike, Norwalk

I am in an over-all agreement with the statement - kinda - sorta, ahh. It is the ethical-psychological and the ethical-political concepts that upholds the supremacy of individual rights that really bothers me. It is the "law" that expresses the absolute of individual rights. The more ethical a concept, the closer it is to harmonizing with the law. Thus, ethical concepts are superior to unethical concepts. It is the A = B, B = C, so A = C characterization that doesn't quite uphold complete accuracy.

Ronw13, OR
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Ronw13, OR    4/25/18

Th Spiritual and Physical power of sovereignty projected upon the individual to act responsibly, being set, at liberty. The natural law of morality, adherence to a good conscience, willing to walk honestly among all men. A wordy quote, to a simple question. Harmony is found through an honest walk at liberty, regardless of adversity. All my needs are met, what do I lack, said the slave to the jailer, The response from the jailer, Your Freedom sir.

E Archer, NYC

"[I]ndividualism holds that a human being should think and judge independently, respecting nothing more than the sovereignty of his or her mind..." I don't agree. As an individual I do not claim omniscience, I have more questions than answers, and I do not believe every idea that comes into my head/heart. For me, 'thinking' is a dialogue, every idea is met with a response. To reason well, it is helpful to speak with another so that each may consider and respond truthfully. That 'truth process' leads to revelation, as the 'truth' already 'is,' and we are merely trying to discern it.

robert, somewhere inthe USA

Archer, I think the quote side steps ambiguity and and is directed to those who after much consideration and chatting with their friends, make that response based on what they understand to be truth. You can only take this so far as their is no absolute, no one answer. Again, four stars for an honorable intent.

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