A collection of essays argues that philosophy is an essential element of human life, a force that shapes human character and national culture and destiny, and offers the rational philosophy of objectivism as an alternative. Ayn Rand chose Leonard Peikoff to be her successor as the spokesman for Objectivism. And in this brilliantly reasoned, thought provoking work we learn why, as he demonstrates how far America hasbeen detoured from its original path and led down the same road that Germany followed to Nazism. Self-sacrifice, oriental mysticism, racial, truth, the public good, doing ones duty, these are among the seductive catch phrases that Leonard Peikoff dissects, examining the kind of philosophy they symbolize, the type of thinking that lured Germany to its doom and that he says is now prevalent in the United States. Here is a frightening look at where America may be heading, a clarion call for all who are concerned about preserving our right to individual freedom.