Seattle-Portland Objectivist Network

Seattle Chapter (go to the Portland Chapter)

Who are we?

The Seattle-Portland Objectivist Network is a group of Objectivists living in the Seattle/Portland area who have periodic social gatherings and maintain an email list for announcements, questions, and discussion. Currently, the combined group is over 20 people. The Seattle Chapter holds meetings every other month at the coordinators' home, and the smaller Portland chapter meets quarterly at a restaurant or a member's home. Both groups send email invitations for all gatherings.

Our primary purpose is to facilitate social gatherings of like-minded individuals who have adopted Objectivism as their personal philosophy. Occasionally, individuals will branch off for educational activities, but we do not engage in political activity as a group.

SPON members range in age from twenties to sixties. A few of us are students, a few are retired, and most work in a diverse range of professions. We all vary in lifestyles and circumstances, but we share one crucial value: the philosophy of Objectivism as a guide for living fully.

Who can join?

SPON is open only to individuals who share our philosophy, Objectivism, as presented in the published writings of Objectivism's creator, Ayn Rand (1905-1982). That means: reality (metaphysics), reason (epistemology), rational self-interest (ethics), laissez-faire capitalism (politics), and romanticism (esthetics). Further, we support The Ayn Rand Institute and leading Objectivist intellectuals such as Leonard Peikoff.

SPON is closed to anyone who attacks Ayn Rand, Objectivism, ARI, or leading Objectivists. For example, SPON excludes individuals who sanction or otherwise engage with the LP, TOC, or any organization, besides The Ayn Rand Institute, which claims to represent Objectivism. (Read about the sanction issue here.) SPON also excludes individuals whose personal behavior or beliefs would prevent us from reaching our goal — enjoying the company of like-minded individuals.

How can I join?

Introduce yourself to the coordinators, Andrew or Rachel Miner by answering these questions:

• What is your current career, and what is your life's central purpose if you have selected one? (Ayn Rand distinguished ultimate purpose in life, which is happiness, and central purpose in life, which is the productive activity that makes up the core of one's life.)
• How long have you been interested in Objectivism?
• Which part of Objectivism is your favorite? Why?
• Which Objectivism-inspired organizations do you support or participate in, if any?

As an example, here is Brad's introduction:

I have been working as a software engineer in the Portland area since graduating from college in 1993, and my career purpose is to create valuable software solutions. I plan to write about philosophy later in life, and on a part-time basis I am preparing for this purpose.

I had been deeply interested in philosophy since the age of 14, but it was not until I read The Fountainhead at the age of 21 that I had the thrilling realization — within the first 10 pages — that this is one of the most important books ever written. A year later, I was surprised to find that Atlas Shrugged is even more profound, a work of supreme philosophic genius. I have since read most of Ayn Rand's books and essays, and I have studied Leonard Peikoff's excellent Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand.

My favorite part of Objectivism is ethics, because it is my fundamental guide for achieving happiness.

I proudly support The Ayn Rand Institute. It is doing a brilliant job at a glorious task: kindling interest in Objectivism, the rational philosophy.

Brad Williams
January 2004

Where can I learn more?

For more information about Ayn Rand and Objectivism, we recommend you start with the Ayn Rand Institute and the Ayn Rand Bookstore. If you're in the Portland area, you can also check out our Portland Chapter.