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I would like to throw out a topic that was presented and argued on another post

that you all would probably find very interesting. You need to know a

little about Ayn Rand and Objectivism to understand this statement

fully. To find out an over view go to www.aynrand.org.

Here is the post by Monart Pon:

"Once, when I was listening to the sweet, lyrical Andante of

Shostokovich's 2nd Piano Concerto, I thought of Rand and checked out a

few dates. Shostokovich's 2nd Piano Concerto was published in 1957, the

same year as Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Both Rand and Shostokovich were born

in Russia nearly the same year: Rand, 1905, and Shostokovich, 1906.

Other comparisons: Rand left Russia and Shostokovich didn't. Both are

regarded as master artists by their admirers, with Shostokovich being

called 20th Century's most tragic composer, and Rand, the most heroic

novelist. Shostokovich did not value philosophy in any way like Rand

did, and thus suffered under a totalitarian Russia with little protest

until his death in Moscow 1975. Was Shostokovich able to read Rand? How

would his music have been different, if at all, if he had read Rand, or

if he had escaped to America (assuming he wanted to?) What influences on

the music does the kind of philosophy that a composer (or artist) has,

or the kind of culture a composer (or artist) lives in? What would Rand

have thought of him and his music?



-Monart"

http://www.siue.edu/~aho/musov/dmitri.html

The Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, whose music is known and played throughout the world, continues to acquire new and ever more fervent admirers. He epitomises the most noble traditions and values of our civilization.

"The personality of Shostakovich proved a powerful moral influence on his contemporaries. During the hard and cruel era of Stalinism, he had the courage to express in his music the misery of his people by means of an extraordinary dramatic feeling, and to denounce the hidden forces which were then eliminating millions of human lives. His music became a moral support for all who were persecuted. Belief in the final victory of justice, instilled through his works, transformed his music into a powerful stimulus to the spirit of resistance and freedom.

"The inner power of his music, always of great vividness, enriches the many thousands of new listeners who discover it with eagerness and pleasure. Thus, even after his death, Dmitri Shostakovich continues to lead the world towards light and reason. His work, of universal value, is recognised by all."




Except rather obscure philosophers it would seem. Rather simplistic viewpoint and making rather sweeping generalisations. How does he know Shostakivich didn't value philosophy? Safe bet he wasn't too impressed with political philosophy. It's easy to forget that protesting under Stalin's totalitarianism was downright dangerous.

Philosophy is interesting and valuable in some respects but is also a form of intellectual masterbation feeding the overopinionated egos of individuals who think themselves clever and that therefore their own opinions are somehow more worthy. Ayn rand is hardly starlingly original and the author exhibits some of the belief of a cult member that the philosophical viewpoint he holds is somehow significant and life changing.

Must confess I only recently heard of Ayn Rand, I assumed it was one of those obscure cults like scientology offering a structured way of looking at the world for those who lack the capacity to make up their own minds about things. That most people eventually outgrow. I want to know how and what to think please take all my money seems to be a common desire.

One interesting point of view.

http://www.objectivistcenter.org/mediac ... ascism.asp

One Giant Leap Toward Fascist America


The U.S. Supreme Court is allowing a local government to kick out of the house in which she was born 87 year old Wilhelmina Dery and her husband who has lived there with her for 60 years. Why? Because the government wants to seize their property, bulldoze theirs and many other houses and to sell the land to other businesses and developers for private uses. While one must take great care in choosing words in political discussions, one must not mince them either. This decision in the Kelo vs. New London case is another giant step towards classical corporatism or fascism in America.




In another forum this same action was seen as a socialist policy and condemned accordingly.

What exactly is the topic you are tryimng to raise? The article itself strikes me as being a load of cobblers.

I don't have time to fully answer you now, but I would like to make a preface.

Objectivism is not a cult. In the 60's there were individuals that met and called themselves as such, and out of that came the Libertarian party. However, they are not recognized as Objectivists as they employ only MOST of the Objectivist philosophy, and inject other elements that are contradictory.

I happen to be an Objectivist. I am not insulted by your accusations at all, since I had many of the same thoughts in the beginning myself. But I encourage you to look more in depth.

gmc wrote: What exactly is the topic you are tryimng to raise? The article itself strikes me as being a load of cobblers.


I'm actually not sure what topic I want discussed. I really just want discussion that involves music and philosophy. I disagree with Monart on some points, but I do agree that it is an important topic. More from me later.