Reason: The Choice That Makes Self-Improvement Possible (OPAR Series)

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, James Valliant and Michael Liebowitz continue their OPAR-based series on self-improvement by tackling the chapter on Reason—the faculty that makes every other virtue possible.

They explore what it means to treat reason as a practice rather than a slogan: choosing to think when it’s inconvenient, checking emotions against facts, refusing to outsource your judgement, and building a life that actually matches your values. If self-improvement is more than motivation—if it’s about becoming a person you can respect—then this episode is about the root requirement: using your mind.

Expect a grounded discussion on clarity vs. rationalisation, why contradictions don’t disappear when ignored, and how a commitment to reality becomes the foundation for confidence, purpose, and genuine progress.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, responsible for overseeing the publishing, presentation, and promotion of each episode to ensure a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual rigour.

She is the CEO of Alexa Real Estate, a property manager and entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Ayn Rand Centre Australia, where she contributes to the organisation’s strategic direction and public engagement with ideas centred on reason, individual rights, and human freedom.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion on Ayn Rand’s philosophy and its application to everyday life, culture, and current issues.

Through her work across business, media, and education, Xenia brings a grounded, reality-focused perspective to discussions of responsibility, productivity, and independent thinking.

Join Capitalism and Coffee here:

https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Follow Xenia’s essays on reason, independence, and purposeful living at her Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

Because freedom is worth thinking about — and talking about.

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