I want what I want

I’d like to add some comments to the thoughtful letters you printed Jan. 10 relating to the appearance of Ayn Rand’s influence on the WNC campus [“Capitalism on Campus,” Dec. 23, 2008], and Rand’s passion for laissez-faire individualism.

Regarding her rampant individualism, the following epigraph is from my recently published book, The Imprinters: “I am weary even of my own individuality, and simply nauseated by other people’s.”—D.H. Lawrence, The Letters of D.H. Lawrence.”

Thad Eckard’s comment that “Rand’s philosophy is the philosophy of a psychopath” [“What’s Ethical about Egoism?,” Letters, Jan. 1] brought me back to the early years of my psychiatric training, when we were taught that a psychopath’s motto is: “I want what I want when I want it.” This is also the exigent demand of the infant.

— Eileen Walkenstein
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

2 thoughts on “I want what I want

  1. rationalinfidel

    “Thad Eckard’s comment that “Rand’s philosophy is the philosophy of a psychopath” [“What’s Ethical about Egoism?,” Letters, Jan. 1] brought me back to the early years of my psychiatric training, when we were taught that a psychopath’s motto is: ‘I want what I want when I want it.’”

    The only thing you have demonstrated here, Eileen, is that you have a poorer understanding of Rand than even Thad.

    And that hardly seemed possible.

    Evidently we are witnessing rampant ignorance.

  2. I got praise from a PhD! Sweet. (And continued disregard from a Utopian Free-marketeer who’d rather see a class of lazy bums at the top and at the bottom rather than just at the bottom.) Thanks for the shout out, Dr. Walkenstein!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.