Accepting Quote by Michael Shermer
![“...there ... remains a huge following [of Ayn Rand's philosophy] of those who ignore the indiscretions, infidelities, and moral inconsistencies of the founder and focus instead on the positive aspects of her philosophy. There is much in it to admire, if you do not have to accept the whole…” quote by Michael Shermer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a26/michael-shermer-2567_accepting_there-remains-a-huge-following-of-ayn-ra_735810.jpg)
“...there ... remains a huge following [of Ayn Rand's philosophy] of those who ignore the indiscretions, infidelities, and moral inconsistencies of the founder and focus instead on the positive aspects of her philosophy. There is much in it to admire, if you do not have to accept the whole package... Criticism of the founder or followers of a philosophy does not, by itself, constitute a negation of any part of the philosophy... Criticism of part of a philosophy does not gainsay the whole.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Why People Believe Weird Things, 1997
Criticizing a philosophy’s founder or followers does not invalidate the philosophy itself; it is possible to appreciate its merits while rejecting its flaws.
In simple terms: You can like ideas without endorsing everything.
Key Takeaway
Separate ideas from their originators.
Themes
critical thinking
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public discourse
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
Epistemology
logic
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate ideas independently of their creators?
- When is it necessary to reject a philosophy entirely?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal of a founder’s flaws can lead to uncritical acceptance of harmful ideas.
![“I reject her [Ayn Rand's] philosophy. It's an atheist philosophy. It reduces human interactions down to mere contracts and it is antithetical to my worldview. If somebody is going to try to paste a person's view on epistemology to me, then give me Thomas Aquinas. Don't give me Ayn Rand.” quote by Paul Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d52/paul-ryan-869_atheist_i-reject-her-ayn-rand-s-philosophy-it-s_2582216.jpg)
