thanks for sharing, jan

I read Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead in 1964, at age 12, and proclaimed myself an Objectivist "as much as I am any one thing". As comprehensive as Objectivism was, I knew the core principles advocated individualism even then.

Branden was instrumental in the development and dissemination of Rand's ideas and deserves recognition. And he later attempted--in my opinion--to bring the principles of Objectivism into the psychology and mental health field, filling a void in the Objectivist canon. It was a valuable, if not comprehensive, attempt.

Years ago, I attended one of his lectures in New York City. I found him somewhat guarded or maybe just preoccupied. But Objectivism is much more than a cult of personality, so his personality (and that of Rand's) is but an interesting footnote to the brilliance of Rand's invention.

I was in group with Branden 1979~1981, and attended a few of his intensives - I met my wife at one of them - Nathaniel claimed to be the 'matchmaker' - which I suppose he was. I owe a large debt to Mr. Branden for my issues that he helped me deal with in group. If I may, a little story related to me by a friend - if memory serves and the story is true:

At the funeral of Nathaniel's second wife, Patrecia, Branden had chosen not to speak, but changed his mind. He was in tears, leaned against the coffin, I'm sure in terrible anguish, he spoke about the "ecstatic possibilities of life..." - surely the act of a heroic soul. My condolences to all who appreciated him.

Though I live in LA, I never met Nathanial Branden. However. In the early 1980's my life blew up real good. (Some trifling matter of the man I loved getting into an auto accident, being in a coma for a week, getting out against all odds...then going insane and thinking he was the new Messiah...) I ended up quitting my job, loading my possessions into a VW bug and driving blindly 'away'. I wound up in Springfield, Missouri. There, I got a part time job and read psychology books in the rest of my time. Branden's workbook, "If You Could Hear What I Cannot Say" was the book I most credit with putting my mind, emotions, and life back together.

A toast to you, Nathanial Branden. Thank you.

Jan

I met Dr. Branden only once, in 1997, on the occasion of the 40 Anniversary celebration of Atlas. Like the full-time collector I am, I nabbed him as he was returning to his seat after a trip to the men's room, asking him to sign a number of books, articles, LP's that I'd hunted down and brought with me. His abundantly glowing smile reminded me of Francisco. He even expressed surprise upon seeing a few items (e.g., the LP, "Nathaniel Branden Discusses Teenagers Questions on Sex") which he'd not seen in decades. He was curious about my collection, asked a number of pointed questions, and invited me to contact him.

I remember thinking, "That is an Ayn Rand hero." Thanks Dr. B. You'll not be forgotten by many, many people you helped and touched.

Michael
PEN ULTIMATE RARE BOOKS

I first met Nathaniel Branden when I was at Stanford as a graduate student. Being a big fan of Objectivism while I was an undergraduate at MIT, I invited him to speak there, and it was his first speaking engagement since his breakup with Ayn Rand. I was a little surprised he accepted the invitation, since he didnt know me at al;, but I am happy he did. I think he got some things off his chest in public and a LOT of people attended his presentation. I was very impressed, and later on I moved to LA and attended some of his group therapy sessions, and nearly went to work for him. Anyway, I have to say that I have been very influenced by Objectivism throughout my life, in a very positive way. I have to thank him.

sure

this a very large group. Many have never heard of National Branden. Many others appreciate his contributions to Objectivism. But, since Rand denounced Branden and they had irreconcilable differences, the legal and intellectual heir to her estate, Leonard Peikoff forbids any discussion of Branden or his significance to Objectivism. The Atlas Society, headed by David Kelly does. Kelly wanted Objectivism to stand on its own, as a logical system-he coined the phrase "open Objectivism." Ayn Rand Institute run by Yaron Brook, vehemently disagree with such a concept. The philosophy closed with the death of its creator. there are many articles on this, try this one:http://www.atlassociety.org/ayn_rand_institute_vs_atlas_society

Rand was human, as was Branden. Even the most rational among us can allow emotions to get the better of us at times. The important point is what we do about it.

that is unfortunate. he may now. If you were to read the Ayn Rand newsletters and then read Dr. Brandon's articles you will not recognize any difference.in their thoughts.

Do you mind if I edit this post to include a blurb from the article? I'd like to point to it (your post) in the newsletter today.

[rimshot...]

thanks for your thoughts herb

very neat moonstone

That was a wicked cool story.

Many of us have great respect for Dr. Branden and his contribution to Objectivism. See more in my response to allosaur above/below.

Giggle, you're are too kind, sir! Said like Scarlett O'Hara..

I have read so many of his essays. One of particular note was "Common Fallacies About Capitalism" Chapter 5. in Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. His contributions are many and of consequence. The history of his relationship with Ayn is tragic, but that in no way diminishes the value he created for us. In the end value left behind is the greatest achievement one could achieve.

"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing." - Benjamin Franklin

LOL Very good, IndianaGary. Very good. :)

As well you should. I had no idea that you were so new to Objectivism. Welcome again to the Gulch. As were many at the time, I was more confused than anything else when Rand and Branden split; it took me years to understand the issues involved. Many took sides and he was virtually excommunicated by the Leonard Peikoff branch hence his persona non grata status with ARI. I believe that both Rand and Branden mellowed considerably as they aged but far too much emotional damage had been done to ever mend the rift.

Dr. Branden was largely responsible for the spread of Objectivism in the early days (Rand was not interested in nonfiction yet. She only became interested after Branden showed that there was a market for her ideas.) For that reason alone, I recommend "The Vision of Ayn Rand", the recently published print edition of the NBI lectures, to anyone wanting an in-depth exposition of early Objectivism training. It is as clear and effective today as it was when only available on audiotape. Branden included an additional lecture on the "Benefits and Hazards" of the early Objectivist movement and essentially admitted partial culpability for the intransigence of early Objectivists. His criticism was for the behavior of himself, Rand and several others and not for the content of the philosophy. While Rand and Branden are now gone, Objectivism lives!

Cool story!

Good. I'd hate to see another pointless post.

Doubtless.