Metaphysics: The study of the nature of reality,
Full Context
Part of "Ayn Rand and Objectivism: An Introduction"; summarizes the key concepts of objectivist metaphysics
In metaphysics, Rand affirmed the primacy of existence—that existence is. We can ask of any particular thing why it exists, but we cannot coherently ask of existence why it exists. Existence (reality) requires no explanation, since it is prior to and independent of consciousness. Since existence requires no explanation, questions as to when it began, and by whom it was created, don't make sense. Since no explanation of existence is necessary, no questions can arise about it. Existence is simple, irreducible, and foundational.
Wants, Efforts, Satisfactions, by
Frédéric Bastiat,
Economic Harmonies, 1 Sep 1848
Original title: Besoins, efforts, satisfactions
Examines the concepts of sensation, pain, wants and satisfactions, connecting them by human effort to postulate that the exchange of services are what constitute the science of economics; originally published in the
Journal des économistes
From the general idea of sensation come the more definite ideas of pain, wants, desires, tastes, appetites, on the one hand; and, on the other, of pleasure, enjoyment, fulfillment, and well-being. Between these extremes is interposed a mean ... An analysis of sensation and activity shows one word common to both domains, the word pain. It is painful to experience certain sensations, and we can stop them only by an effort that we call taking pains. Thus, we are apprised that here below we have little else than the choice of two evils.
