The belief that such an act of violence is acceptable stems from a worldview rooted in the rejection of individual rights, objective morality, and the rational principles that uphold a free society. It is likely influenced by the philosophy of collectivism and egalitarianism, which prioritizes envy and resentment over achievement and productivity. This mindset often vilifies success and wealth, seeing them as inherently immoral or exploitative, rather than as the result of rational effort and competence.
This perspective is deeply tied to the premises of Marxism and socialism, which denounce capitalism and individual success as sources of inequality and oppression. Such ideologies promote the false notion that wealth or achievement is derived from the exploitation of others, rather than through voluntary trade and productive effort. As a result, they foster a sense of moral justification for actions that harm individuals who are perceived as "oppressors," such as a CEO, regardless of the individual's rights or the rule of law [1][4][5].
Furthermore, this worldview is symptomatic of an emotionalist approach to morality, where feelings of envy or resentment take precedence over reason and objective ethical principles. It reflects a rejection of justice—giving individuals what they deserve based on their actions—and replaces it with a morality of sacrifice and destruction. Such a perspective is antithetical to the principles of capitalism and individualism, which recognize the moral right of individuals to pursue their own success and happiness [2][6].
Ultimately, the acceptance of such an act reveals a deep cultural erosion in understanding the sanctity of individual rights, the value of reason, and the moral foundation of a free society. It is a result of the widespread influence of collectivist and altruist ideologies that reject the primacy of reason, reality, and individualism [3][4][5].
Sources
1 the Voice of Reason by Ayn Rand, with additional essays by Leonard Peikoff
2 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand
3 Logical Leap by David Harriman
4 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand expanded 2nd edition edited by Harry Binswanger and Leonard Peikoff containing never-before published philosophical material by Ayn rand
5 The Objectivist by Ayn Rand
6 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger
In addition:
The acceptance of violence against the UnitedHealthcare CEO by a significant portion of young voters reflects a philosophical and cultural shift grounded in the rejection of individual rights, reason, and objective morality. This phenomenon can be traced to the influence of collectivist and egalitarian ideologies, which promote the idea that achieving success or accumulating wealth is inherently unjust, especially when contrasted with perceived economic disparities [1][4].
At the root of this worldview is a growing acceptance of collectivism—the belief that the group or collective holds moral primacy over the individual. In this framework, individuals who are seen as part of the "wealthy elite" or "corporate class" are viewed as enemies of the collective good. Such a perspective disregards the fact that wealth and success, in a free society, are typically the result of productive effort, rational thought, and voluntary exchange. Instead of celebrating the achievements of individuals like the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, this mindset characterizes them as exploiters who have unfairly benefited at the expense of others. This is a direct consequence of Marxist ideology, which promotes the false dichotomy of oppressors versus the oppressed and fosters resentment toward those who are successful [2][5].
Moreover, this acceptance of violence is fueled by the moral code of altruism, which upholds self-sacrifice as the highest virtue. When combined with egalitarianism—a philosophy that demands equality of outcomes rather than equality of opportunity—this moral code leads to the hatred of those who achieve more or create more value. Such hatred, in turn, justifies the use of force against those who are seen as obstacles to the egalitarian ideal. This is a rejection of justice, which requires recognizing and rewarding individuals based on their merit and actions, not punishing them for their success [3][6].
The underlying emotionalism in this worldview cannot be ignored. Emotionalism, as opposed to rationality, prioritizes feelings such as envy, resentment, and anger over objective reality and reason. These emotions are often manipulated by political ideologies that seek to stoke discontent and redirect it toward individuals or groups who represent success, wealth, or achievement. The result is a culture that legitimizes the initiation of force as a means of addressing perceived grievances, rather than seeking rational solutions grounded in respect for individual rights and voluntary cooperation [4][5].
In summary, the acceptance of violence against the UnitedHealthcare CEO is the product of a collectivist, egalitarian, and altruist philosophy that rejects individualism, rationality, and the principles of capitalism. It represents a culture that has abandoned reason, justice, and respect for individual rights in favor of envy, resentment, and the destructive morality of sacrifice [2][4][5]. To counteract this trend, it is essential to reassert the primacy of reason and individualism, the moral basis of capitalism, and the inviolability of individual rights.
Sources
1 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand
2 the Voice of Reason by Ayn Rand, with additional essays by Leonard Peikoff
3 Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology by Ayn Rand expanded 2nd edition edited by Harry Binswanger and Leonard Peikoff containing never-before published philosophical material by Ayn rand
4 Ayn Rand Lexicon by Harry Binswanger
5 Logical Leap by David Harriman
6 For the New Intellectual by Ayn Rand
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