Before she died, Ayn Rand designated Leonard Peikoff as her "intellectual heir." However, given Peikoff's subsequent track record, "intellectual heir-head" might be a better title. Having spent thirty years studying Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, Peikoff can certainly quote Objectivism, chapter and verse.
But can he apply the philosophy of Objectivism to the real world, and thus render useful advice? Sadly, the answer appears to be "No." I have been told, in confidence, by people who know Peikoff personally, that he is second-rate mind; a mediocrity who excelled at only one thing - hanging on to Ayn Rand through thick and thin. Unfortunately, this assessment appears to be correct.
For a time, Peikoff only wrote books about Objectivism, and gave speeches and lectures about Objectivism. In such carefully-regulated environments, he was in his element. His thirty years of practice and study of the philosophy of Objectivism served him well.
Then the Ayn Rand Institute set Peikoff up with a syndicated radio talk show. Suddenly Peikoff was challenged with applying the philosophy of Objectivism to the real world, and to do so extemporaneously, on a weekly, or even daily, basis. No longer did he have the luxury of polishing his speeches for weeks or months ahead of time, or of answering the same audience-asked questions, again and again.
Suddenly the REAL character and intellectual prowess of Leonard Peikoff began to shine through. And it wasn't very impressive. Or very pretty.
Let's take a look at five different incidents involving Leonard Peikoff, to see how he handled himself when forced to apply the philosophy of Objectivism to the real world.
Leonard Peikoff Excommunicates Alan Greenspan
Leonard Peikoff And The Creature From Moro Bay
Leonard Peikoff And The Incident At Lyceum
Leonard Peikoff Sues A Rock Band
Leonard Peikoff Reviews "Titanic" - Part I
Leonard Peikoff Reviews "Titanic" - Part II
As you can see, Leonard Peikoff is no Ayn Rand, or John Galt. The question is, would he even qualify as Eddie Willers? The man is becoming a giant embarrassment to Objectivism. He screws up constantly. He is simply unable to apply the philosophy of Objectivism to real-world situations. His radio talk show was just about the worst possible format for the man.
The next time you're tempted to give money to the Ayn Rand Institute, consider that this is the sort of embarrassment your money is going to support.