Is ARI or anyone else formally vested with the right to speak on behalf of Ayn Rand’s Objectivism?
No. Therefore, as much as possible, the answers in this FAQ section are quoted from Ayn Rand’s own writings—and material that is not quoted from her, although written by Objectivist scholars whom we consider fully qualified, has to be judged by each reader as to its consistency with Ayn Rand’s published writings, as well, of course, as to its validity. Writing in a similar connection, Ayn Rand stated: I urge the readers to use their own judgment as to whether a particular article is or is not consonant with Objectivist principles. Remember, it is a fundamental tenet of Objectivism that one must not accept ideas on faith. If you wonder why I am so particular about protecting the integrity of the term “Objectivism,” my reason is that “Objectivism” is the name I have given to my philosophy—therefore, anyone using that name for some philosophical hodgepodge of his own, without my knowledge or consent, is guilty of the fraudulent presumption of trying to put thoughts into my brain (or of tr
