Objectivism is a philosophical movement; since politics is a branch of
philosophy, Objectivism advocates certain political principles—specifically,
those of laissez-faire capitalism—as the consequence and the ultimate
practical application of its fundamental philosophical principles. It does not
regard politics as a separate or primary goal, that is: as a goal that can be
achieved without a wider ideological context.
Politics is based on three other philosophical disciplines: metaphysics,
epistemology and ethics—on a theory of man’s nature and of man’s relationship
to existence. It is only on such a base that one can formulate a consistent
political theory and achieve it in practice. When, however, men attempt to rush
into politics without such a base, the result is that embarrassing
conglomeration of impotence, futility, inconsistency and superficiality which
is loosely designated today as “conservatism.” Objectivists are not
“conservatives.” We are radicals for capitalism; we are fighting for that
philosophical base which capitalism did not have and without which it was
doomed to perish.