PEOPLE HAVE OFTEN asked for a written version of my oral lecture courses, on the premise—with which I agree—that written lectures are much more accessible to the student. Writing, however, is in this context virtually a different language from speaking; a raw transcript of an extemporaneous speech, however excellent, is almost always filled with defects and confusions of one sort or another—and so is frequently boring as well. To turn a lecture course into an accurate, clear, and valuable book, a huge amount of time-consuming editing is required, a task that can be performed only by an individual with the necessary motivation, knowledge of the subject, and editorial skills. My own age and priorities make it impossible for me to undertake such a task.
I have therefore decided to authorize several individuals who possess the necessary qualifications to edit and bring out in book form certain of my courses, and to do so entirely without my participation. Although I have confidence in these editors to the extent that I know them, I have had no part in their work at any stage—no guiding discussions, no reading of transcripts, not even a glance at early drafts or final copy. Even a glance might reveal errors, and I could not then evade the need to read more, which is precisely what is out of the question.
In my opinion, the lecture course in this book is of real value to those interested in the subject. But when you read it, please bear two things in mind: Barry Wood is an experienced editor and lecturer—and I have no idea what he has done in this book.
Leonard Peikoff
April 10, 2012
P.S. If you happen to spot and wish to point out seeming errors in the text, please e-mail Dr. Wood at the Ayn Rand Institute, c/o mail@aynrand.org. If you like this book, I may add, do not give me too much of the credit. My course provided, let us say, the spirit, but Dr. Wood gave it the flesh required to live.