The facts of reality are knowable through a process of objective reasoning that begins with sensory perception and follows the laws of logic.
Objectivism rejects subjectivism, the belief that knowledge is a matter of opinion; skepticism, the belief that knowledge is impossible and no one can be certain of anything; and every form of mysticism, the belief that knowledge is a product of revelations or insights into a supernatural dimension.
Each man should seek his own happiness through a productive life in which his own independent, rational judgement is his only guide to action. No man should sacrifice himself to others nor others to himself. The primary virtues of the Objectivist ethics are rationality, independence, integrity, honesty, justice, productiveness, trade, and pride.
Objectivism rejects altruism, the doctrine that the highest good is service to others---whether ``others'' denotes a state, a deity, one's family, ``society,'' or the poor and disadvantaged.
As a rational being, an individual possesses inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. As these rights can only be violated by physical force, government is instituted to hold a monopoly on the legal use of physical force and to use it only in retaliation against those who initiate its use.
Objectivism supports a free market with no government intervention. Objectivism opposes welfare programs, censorship of any kind, and both military and "national service" drafts. Objectivism supports a strong separation between church and state and between schools and state.
Objectivism In-Brief is an ever-improving hyperdocument summarizing Objectivism. The document is not authoritative, it just reflects the interpretations of the current editor, Raymie Stata. Of course, feedback is more than welcome. Send e-mail to objectivism-www@vix.com or use our comments form.