Objectivism vs. Pragmatism (or realism)

I have a notoriety as a person engaged in throwing rubbish on somebody or something.

I do not intend throwing rubbish, yet by the time I complete my efforts, the end-result appears as though I have / I am bent on throwing rubbish willfully.


I hope this particular post will deviate from this custom.


A friend has asked me to explain 'Objectivism of Iyan Rand'.

I didn't know much about it. Saying that, I cannot fall asleep. I am going through the Objectivism of Rand. I shall present some of the thoughts which occur.

The Central theme of Mahabharata is 'dharma'. This 'dharma' is a word of the Sanskrit language which roughly means "A person's one's own duty in relation to himself, family, clan, community , society ...). This word 'dharma' , with some minor variations in other Indian languages with varied modified meanings. Hindi, for examples, uses the word more in the sense of 'religion'.

Back to objectivism in Mahabharata
People go by appearances. --The dress. --The language. --The accompanying paraphernalia and fanfare. Mahabharata depicts the ideal person as someone who does his duty calmly. Vyasa uses the story of Dharmavyaadha to present him as the ideal person whom others have to emulate.

A brief recapitulation of Dharmavyaadha's story
Kausika a person of priest's class meditates under a banian tree as a part of his daily chores. A crane excretes and the excreta falls on Kausika's head. Kausika looks at it with anger. The crane dies instantly.

Kausika is now proud of his prowess. He goes for alms to a house as per his daily routine. This time he is with a bloated ego.

The housewife who gives alms to him daily , is busy on that day. She gives precedence to her husband who returns tired from his work. She spends some time on looking after him and making him comfortable. She, in the process, makes Kausika to wait at the doorsteps.

She, finally invites Kausika for the alms. Kausika is now angry and he looks at her sharply. The housewife laughs at him and says that she is not a crane to collapse and perish. Kausika is very much surprised about how she could know of the incident. He realises that his powers are futile and worthless.

Kausika goes to Mithila City, on the advice of the housewife, to learn true 'dharma' from a butcher by name 'Dharmavyaadha'. Dharmavyaadha narrates to Kausika how he performs his daily duties (as directed by his caste and clan : kulocitam idam karma pitrupaita`maham mama).

(to continue).