The New Individualist

Four times a year, The New Individualist challenges the values of the cultural left and cultural right, applying the Objectivist philosophy of principled individualism to hot cultural and political issues.

Our provocative essays, probing journalism, insightful interviews, and colorful reviews of books and films cover. . .

* politics
* the arts and entertainment
* education
* business
* intellectual trends
* personal values
* the news media

. . .and much more.

Explore fresh, challenging perspectives rooted in the values of reason and individualism. Subscribe to The New Individualist today.

About the NEW TNI WEBSITE:

We recently completed work on a new, multimedia TNI website, but we decided to hold off launching it until the parent TAS website is updated as well. This will mean even more features and functionality for you, our readers and visitors. Thank you for your patience.

This current archive will be updated as soon as technical repair work is done on this part of our website. Thank you for your patience.

Click here to subscribe! Or try a free sample issue. 

Scroll down to see recent issues

The New Individualist, September 2008   » To read this issue: This issue shipped on August 3. It will be posted online on the cover date, September 1. For a free print copy call 1(800) 779-4222 or email Allen Tomlinson at the Objectivism Store at atomlinson@atsa-usa.com. The New Individualist, July/August 2008   » Contributors   » Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto   » Speak for Yourself: Letters to the Editor   » Private I: The Be-Nice-to-Atlas Coalition, by Roger Donway Roger Donway explores the promise and pitfalls of a fascinating new trend: the emerging interest of people on the political left in market-based economics.   » The Columnist vs. the Madrassa , by Alicia Colon When a newspaper columnist denounced plans for a publicly funded Muslim school in New York City, she didn't expect that the Powers That Be would turn against her.   » Succeeding by the Cowboy Code, by Fred Minnick How many black cowboys live in France? No, that's not a riddle. "Cowboy capitalist" Larry Barnes has succeeded on two continents by facing life as an individualist.   » TNI's Interview with Larry Elder, by Robert L. Jones "The Sage of South Central" dominates L.A. talk radio and tops the bestseller lists by using cool reason and blazing wit. Meet Larry Elder - politically incorrect media marvel.   » The Artist's I: William Wray: Plotting Life's Light, by Michael Newberry The work of William Wray demonstrates that a fine painter can craft a story on canvas simply by means of light and color.   » Shall We Not Revenge? (Robert Thurman, Anger, reviewed by Bradley Doucet) You don't need to throw a temper tantrum because of life's frustrations and disappointments. But can you totally free yourself from the bonds of anger?   » Atlas Seen through Many Eyes (Edward Younkins, ed., Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," reviewed by William Thomas) In three dozen essays, writers and thinkers assess the merits of Ayn Rand's masterpiece. And in his review, Will Thomas assesses the merits of their efforts.   » Soliloquy: A Reply to a Misanthrope, by Robert James Bidinotto A brief, nasty comment by a visitor to Your Editor's blog inadvertently reveals the philosophical and economic premises -- and the soul -- of the radical environmentalist. The New Individualist, May 2008   » Full of Fire and Music and Whatnot ("There Will Be Blood," film review by Robert L. Jones) In this grim, epic fable of a capitalist "robber baron," potent artistry is put in service of a deeply flawed political message.   » You'll Grow Accustomed to Her Face ("Americanizing Shelley," film review by Robert L. Jones) A naive immigrant girl seeks love by becoming superficially attractive -- but finds her soul by learning what it really means to be an American.   » Waiting for Gomorrah ("Offside," film review by Robert L. Jones) "Life" in modern-day Iran -- especially life for its women -- is cinematically skewered with a deft, light-hearted touch in this charming film.   » Soliloquy: Rational Individualism Will Survive, by Robert James Bidinotto Your Editor offers a friendly dissent to views expressed by two conservative writers in this issue -- and explains to you, The Reader, why they are appearing in TNI. The New Individualist, April 2008 The New Individualist March 2008   » Contributors   » Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto   » Speak for Yourself: Letters to the Editor   » Private I: Reflections of a Tory Individualist, by Roger Donway   » CrIss on BusIness: Are Conservatives Truly "Pro-Business"? by Jack Criss   » The Self-Help Guide to Living in a Free Society, by Gen LaGreca Everyone loves freedom. But do they love self-responsibility?   » The Vince Flynn Interview, by Robert James Bidinotto Meet the politically incorrect author of the nation's hottest political thrillers -- and a new hero for the War on Terrorism who takes no prisoners. Literally.   » Bosch Fawstin: "Infidel" Artist, by Robert L. Jones Cartoons of the prophet Muhammed sent angry Muslims into the streets. Just wait until they see the work of anti-jihadist cartoonist Bosch Fawstin.   » TNI's Interview with Jed Babbin, by James Joyner TNI catches up with an outspoken author who has some choice words for America's enemies and their Western enablers.   » The Anti-American Chorus (Jed Babbin, In the Words of Our Enemies, reviewed by James Joyner) A former U.S. defense official exposes the agenda of America's adversaries in a revealing compilation of their leaders' own statements.   » Shall the Permanent Things Endure? (Charles Dunn, ed., The Future of Conservatism, reviewed by Roger Donway) In this anthology, a host of conservative thinkers weigh their movement's ideas and prospects. But do they really share a common outlook -- in principle?   » A Century of "Liberal Fascism" (Jonah Goldberg, Liberal Fascism, reviewed by Edward B. Driscoll) Liberals love to hurl the epithet "Fascist!" at their opponents. But guess what Jonah Goldberg found when he traced the pedigree of modern liberalism?   » The Green Sickness (Joseph Eptein, Envy, reviewed by Bradley Doucet) It's arguably the most destructive of vices. In a thought-provoking, witty little book, Joseph Epstein dissects a truly deadly sin.   » Something Rotten in Denmark ("Beowulf," film review by Robert L. Jones ) Postmodern Hollywood portrays the hero of the ancient myth -- and the result is uglier than Grendel.   » Soliloquy: How to Judge a Magazine -- or a Politician, by Robert James Bidinotto Last month's critique of Congressman Ron Paul generated predictable protests from some readers. So, what should they expect from TNI -- and from political candidates? The New Individualist Jan/Feb 2008   » Get a Free Copy of this Issue For your free copy call 1-(800) 779-4222 or email Allen Tomlinson of the Objectivism Store at atomlinson@atsa-usa.com. The New Individualist, December 2007   » Get a Free Copy of this issue For your free copy call 1-(800) 779-4222 or email Allen Tomlinson of the Objectivism Store at atomlinson@atsa-usa.com. The New Individualist, November 2007   » Get a Free Copy of this issue For your free copy call 1-(800) 779-4222 or email Allen Tomlinson of the Objectivism Store at atomlinson@atsa-usa.com. The New Individualist, October 2007   » Contributors   » Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto   » Speak for Yourself: Letters   » Private I: Midcentury, by Roger Donway   » An Ayn Rand Centennial (Poem by Walter Donway) An eloquent poetic tribute to the author of Atlas Shrugged, written for her centenary in 2005.   » Ayn Rand's Philosophical Stunt Novel, by William Thomas She aimed to wed abstract philosophy to popular fiction. And in her great "stunt novel," she pulled it off -- brilliantly.   » Rand's Persecuted Minority, by Roger Donway Defying convention, Ayn Rand championed businessmen as martyrs and heroes.   » Atlas Shrugged as Prophecy, by Edward L. Hudgins Move over, Orwell and Huxley. For prophetic accuracy one novel has yours beat.   » The Revolutionary Philosophy of Atlas Shrugged, by Robert James Bidinotto What ideas and themes have made Rand's masterwork so controversial?   » A Philosophy for the 21st Century, by David Kelley Though written a half a century ago, Atlas Shrugged conveys a timeless message.   » Atlas Shrugged as Literature, by Robert James Bidinotto Ignore the critics: Rand was an artistic visionary, and her magnum opus is great literature.   » Falling Short of Perfection (Tara Smith, Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics, reviewed by Shawn Klein) In Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics, an Objectivist philosopher defends moral perfection in a book that's not quite perfect.   » He Takes a Licking but Keeps on Ticking ("Live Free or Die Hard," film review by Robert L. Jones) In Live Free or Die Hard, Bruce Willis's harried New York cop is back -- badder and balder than ever. Yippi ki-yay!   » When Public Broadcasting Promoted Capitalism (Milton Friedman's "Free to Choose," TV review by Edward L. Hudgins) A look back to a time when public television promoted capitalism. Really.   » Soliloquy: "Atlas Shrugged changed my life," by Robert James Bidinotto Do you remember your first time? I mean, your first time reading Atlas Shrugged? The New Individualist, September 2007   » Contributors   » Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto   » Speak for Yourself: Letters   » The Photography of Sammy Davis Jr. (Photo by Sammy Davis Jr., reviewed by Robert L. Jones) Sammy Davis, Jr., was the complete performer and entertainer. But a newly published collection of this free spirit’s photography reveals that he had an artist’s eye, as well.   » Private I: The Genealogy of Heroism, by Roger Donway   » The Age of Heroic Engineering Isn't Over, by Lou Villadsen Do you marvel at the gargantuan scale and enormous complexity of the buildings, bridges, and tunnels you use every day? Then thank the heroic engineers.   » Atlas Mugged: How a Gang of Scrappy, Individual Bloggers Broke the Stranglehold of the Mainstream Media, by Edward B. Driscoll Jr. In this version of the David vs. Goliath myth, the giant is a well-heeled TV mogul from Rockefeller Center, while our small, unlikely hero wears a bathrobe and wields a laptop.   » Green Cathedrals: Environmentalism's Mythological Appeal, by Robert James Bidinotto How has environmentalism managed to take root despite our Enlightenment legacy? Perhaps because that heroic legacy also contains the seeds of its own destruction.   » The Enemies of Success (The Wal-Mart Revolution, reviewed by Lance Lamberton) A fascinating new book challenges Wal-Mart's critics and concludes that the corporate giant represents capitalistic enterprise at its heroic best.   » Towards Heroic Capitalism (Charles Koch, The Science of Success, reviewed by Robert L. Bradley Jr.) Our reviewer, a business historian, thinks that the organizational principles espoused by a hugely successful entrepreneur can lead businesses "towards heroic capitalism."   » A Critique of Al Gore's Reason (Al Gore, The Assault on Reason, reviewed by Roger Donway) Despite his book's title and his endless quotations of the Founding Fathers, Al Gore has merely penned another irrational, postmodern, partisan screed.   » "The Page Turner" (Film review by Robert L. Jones) A riveting new film asks and answers the question: How can one achieve greatness in life if he -- or, in this case, she -- becomes consumed by a destructive urge for revenge?   » Soliloquy: The Hero with a Singular Face, by Robert James Bidinotto Neither the embattled, sacrificial heroes of antiquity nor the superficial celebrities of postmodernity are proper role models for a society that needs creative achievers. The New Individualist, July/August 2007   » Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto   » Speak for Yourself: Letters   » Private I: Much Virtue in "If," by Roger Donway   » Rx for Coercion, by David Hogberg It's the latest "new idea" in health insurance: force everyone to get coverage. But is the "individual mandate" really a new idea -- or even workable?   » Morality for the High Frontier, by Edward L. Hudgins When men return to space, they'll pack a lot of baggage for the long trips. But what kind of philosophical baggage will they bring with them? Ed Hudgins wants to know.   » Strike from Space: Seizing the Ultimate High Ground, by Taylor Dinerman The promise of space exploration is enticing, but the inevitable militarization of space poses formidable challenges and threats as well. Here's how we might meet them.   » TNI's Interview with Bestselling Thriller Author Lee Child, by Robert James Bidinotto The creator of tough-guy action hero Jack Reacher is a rugged individualist, too—   » "You Do Not Mess with the Special Investigators" (Lee Child, Bad Luck and Trouble, reviewed by Robert James Bidinotto) In his new bestseller, Lee Child reunites lone-wolf drifter Jack Reacher with old pals to avenge the murders of their friends. Bad guys—buckle your seat belts.   » Talkin' 'Bout That Generation (Christopher Buckley, Boomsday, reviewed by Robert L. Jones) A modest proposal to save Social Security: Offer aging baby boomers tax breaks to commit suicide. That's the wild premise of Christopher Buckley's hilarious new novel.   » Ourselves and Our Posterity (Mark Steyn, America Alone, reviewed by Roger Donway) Will current demographic trends lead to the Islamification of Europe? And will America be left isolated to face the rising threat of radical Islam?   » A Voyage Across the Final Frontier ("Cosmos: A Personal Voyage," TV review by Edward L. Hudgins) The famous astronomer's captivating guided tour of the universe is the focus of Ed Hudgins's fourth review in his series on classic TV documentaries.   » A Diamond Beneath the Rocks ("Ace in the Hole," film review by Robert L. Jones) Released for the first time on DVD, this gripping drama of mob psychology and media manipulation is director Billy Wilder's unjustly neglected masterpiece.   » Soliloquy: A Stern View from the Bow, by Robert James Bidinotto TNI's editor-in-chief explains his vision for the magazine's future, and he pays tribute to those who are helping to actualize that vision. The New Individualist, June 2007   » Contributors   » Editor's Desk, by Robert James Bidinotto   » Speak for Yourself: Letters   » Private I: Libertarianism: Bourgeois or Bohemian? by Roger Donway   » Bobos, Liberaltarians, and Hippies of the Right, by Roger Donway A leading Democrat extends an olive branch to libertarians and finds some takers. TNI's senior editor tells libertarians why they should think twice about an alliance.   » No Faith in Republicans, by Edward L. Hudgins Unannounced presidential candidate Newt Gingrich blesses a wedding of religion and politics in his new book. Ed Hudgins patiently explains -- again -- why that's a lousy idea.   » Schools for Individualists: TNI's exclusive interview with Marsha Enright, by Sara Pentz We all know that today's schools are hostile to individualism. Well, what would an individualist educational system look like? Educator Marsha Enright tells us.   » A Blight at the Opera, by Edward L. Hudgins Environmentalism! Feminism! Socialism! In Wagner's Die Walküre? A Washington opera reviewer found it all there; but this story ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.   » "And Now A Word About Our Sponsor" (Jerry Kirkpatrick, In Defense of Advertising, reviewed by Don Hauptman) Here's something unique: an Objectivist defense of advertising by a marketing professor. And just as unique: a review of it by an Objectivist advertising writer and consultant.   » "For Want of a Nail..." ("Connections: An Alternative View of Change," TV review by Edward L. Hudgins) In the third installment of his reviews of classic TV documentary series, Ed Hudgins revisits James Burke's feisty tribute to the integrative capacity of the human mind.   » Because Rough Men Stand Ready ("300," film review by Robert L. Jones) The story of the stand by a handful of Spartan soldiers against the massed Persian army is the stuff of epic legend. And it gets a proper tribute in this spectacular new film.   » Color Me Charmed ("Miss Potter," film review by Robert L. Jones) The story of the life of Beatrix Potter, author of  immortal children's books, is as enchanting onscreen as are the tales of her unforgettable fictional characters.   » Soliloquy: Blood Brothers, by Robert James Bidinotto School massacres. Snipers in cities. Serial killers. Suicide bombers. What's behind the global upsurge in mass murders? And what can be done about it?