Protest movements have broken out against the oppressive regimes in Iran and China. Young Iranians posted their reasons for rebelling under the hashtag Baraye, meaning “because” and the singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour compiled many of these reasons into a song of the same title that has become an anthem of the Iranian movement and an inspiration to those fighting for freedom around the world. One line in particular stands out. Young people are rebelling because of their “yeaning for an ordinary life”—for the opportunity to lead lives of the sort many around the world take for granted. By historical standards such “ordinary lives” are extraordinary, and indeed the way of living that freedom fighters long for has not been fully realized, even in the freest and most prosperous societies. It is a way of life that is demanded by human nature, such that the best among us and the best within us yearn for it, often without being able to define it or chart a course towards it. In this talk, Dr. Brook articulates the object of this yearning, discusses how it animates the movements in Iran and China, and draws implications for the fight for freedom in these countries and around the world.
Join us in person at Crum Auditorium (RRH 1.400).
Address: 300 W Martin King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
Yaron Brook is the host of the podcast and YouTube program The Yaron Brook Show.
Brook was the Executive Director of The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) for 17 years (2000-2017). He continues as Chairman of the Board of ARI.
Brook, an internationally sought speaker, travels extensively promoting Ayn Rand and her philosophy-Objectivism, Capitalism, Political and Economic Freedom. Brook also speaks on business ethics, tribalism, the ills of socialism, the morality of self-interest, and the pursuit of happiness.