Objectivists Unite, Seek Recognition

The objectivist John Galt Circle created itself Sunday by ratifying a constitution described as "rather weird" by a founding member. Nevertheless Howard C. Hood '65, chairman of the club, said that his group is now ready to seek University recognition.

About 20 members approved the club name and the constitution, which defined the organization's purpose as the "discussion and dissemination of objectivist ideas."

Hood described objectivism as a philosophy which considers "man's own happiness his highest moral purpose."

"In practice," he explained, "this philosophy translates into a capitalist, laissez-faire government, protecting the rights of the individual, and never employing aggressive force."

Galt, the namesake of the club, is a fictional hero of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged who ran away from society to form his own "Utopia of Greed." Members of the Circle emphatically deny similar intentions, and said that the name was chosen because "Galt represents the principle of rational self-interest fundamental to objectivism."

The constitution admits only objectivists as members (non-believers are termed visitors), includes a system of voting proportional to the number of meetings attended, and relies financially on voluntary contributions.

Harvard requires two sponsors, but Hood views recognition optimistically. "We have one definite and one possible sponsor," he said, "and I can't see any reason why we should not be recognized. I believe we meet all qualifications."