Why should a person stay in touch with and conform to reality?
A person must stay in touch with and conform to reality because reality is the objective state of existence. To evade reality is to abandon the only means by which we can understand the world, make rational decisions, and achieve our values. Reality is absolute; it exists independently of our thoughts or wishes. The metaphysically given cannot be altered by our feelings or desires [1][3].
Staying in touch with and conforming to reality means acknowledging and respecting the facts of existence, and using reason as our means of knowledge. Our senses provide us with direct awareness of the world, and it is through logical analysis and critical thinking that we form objective concepts and principles [1][3].
When a person detaches from reality, they become vulnerable to irrationality and self-destruction. They can no longer effectively pursue their goals, as they are operating on a false premise. This evasion of reality is a moral vice because it undermines an individual’s ability to live a rational and purposeful life [1][4].
In essence, to stay in touch with and conforming to reality is to commit to living within the framework of objective truth, to use reason as one's guide, and to ensure one's actions are aligned with the actual state of existence. This is the foundation of a rational, independent, and productive life [1][3].
Staying in touch with and conforming to reality is fundamental for living a rational, independent, and productive life because reality is the ultimate arbiter of truth. It is through our recognition of and adherence to reality that we are able to navigate the world effectively and achieve our goals.
Firstly, reality is objective; it exists independent of our consciousness. The primacy of existence means that the facts of reality are what they are, regardless of our wishes or perceptions. To live rationally is to recognize this fact and to use reason as our means of understanding the world. Reason is our only tool for acquiring knowledge, forming concepts, and making decisions based on objective evidence [1][3].
When an individual evades reality, they substitute their own subjective desires or fears for the facts of existence. This leads to irrationality, as decisions are made on the basis of non-existent or distorted premises. Such evasion undermines one's ability to achieve values and goals, as it severs the connection between one's actions and the actual state of the world [1][4].
Independence is another crucial aspect of staying in touch with and conforming to reality. An independent person relies on their own judgment and reasoning, rather than deferring to others or conforming to social pressures. This independence is grounded in a commitment to objective reality, as it requires the individual to think critically and act according to their own rational conclusions. Without a firm grasp of reality, true independence is impossible, as one would be swayed by whims, emotions, or the irrational beliefs of others [1][3].
Productiveness, the act of creating value and achieving one's goals, is also rooted in a firm connection to reality. To be productive, one must understand the nature of the world and the principles by which it operates. This requires a steadfast commitment to reason and an unyielding respect for the facts. Productiveness involves the application of rational principles to transform nature into forms that serve human life, a process that is inherently grounded in reality [1][3].
In summary, staying in touch with and conforming to reality is essential for living a rational, independent, and productive life because it ensures that one's actions are aligned with the actual state of existence. It is through this alignment that individuals can achieve their values and goals, live independently, and create the conditions necessary for their own happiness and fulfillment [1][3].
Sources:
1 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand
2 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand
3 Understanding Objectivism by Leonard Peikoff. Edited by Michael S. Berliner
4 The Objectivist Newsletter by Ayn Rand
5 the Anti-industrial Revolution by Ayn Rand
6 Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff
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