Who Is Carl Barney?

by Jackson UpmannAnnouncementsMar 5, 2024

“It’s a rare gift, you know, to feel reverence for your own life and to want the best, the greatest, the highest possible, here, now, for your very own. To imagine a heaven and then not to dream of it, but to demand it.”

That’s one of Carl Barney’s favorite quotes from Ayn Rand. And for good reason: It summarizes his sense of life—and the aim of Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, which guides his life.

Applying the principles of Objectivism to his businesses and life, Carl has achieved great success, wealth, and happiness. Through his Prometheus Foundation, he supports the promotion of rational philosophy—because, as he explains, “I love to see other people succeed and thrive. And I love to engage with people when they are at their best, living the best lives they can live.”

Carl’s book-in-progress, “The Happiness Experiment,” explains his general approach to achieving success and happiness. And his talk at LevelUp 2024 (Atlanta, GA, June 19–22) will present a strategy he calls “Happiness Planning.” In How to Develop Your Happiness Plan, he will walk you through a proven way to increase your happiness dramatically.

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On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground is the hub for content from OSI fellows and affiliates, along with announcements about OSI’s programs and events. Here, you’ll find links to our team’s articles, videos, and other materials published across various platforms. And you’ll discover opportunities to support and engage with our global community.

Latest Blog Posts

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by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

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Maddox (Objectivist, ex-baptist) and Jake (a Baptist pastor) confront their deepest disagreements about God, morality, and the foundations of truth. They explore whether faith or reason is the more reliable path to knowledge—and how each shapes our understanding of good and evil.

Moral Realism vs. Anti-Realism Is a False Alternative

by Craig BiddlePhilosophy

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Most philosophers claim you must choose between moral realism and moral anti-realism—but that dichotomy is a trap. In his video, Craig breaks down both categories, shows why they fail, and explains the overlooked third option: moral objectivism. You’ll see how values arise from the factual requirements of human life—and why that changes the entire debate.

Northanger Abbey: A Mystery of Motive, Not Murder

by Angelica WerthArt & Culture

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In her new Substack post, Angel discusses Northanger Abbey—a light, fun story about an innocent girl, captivated by Gothic tales, who begins to learn how the “real world” works and how to recognize people’s less-than-innocent motives.

Objective Standard Institute’s 2024 in Review

by Craig BiddleAnnouncements

Nov 17, 2025

OSI advanced its mission—and your values—beautifully in 2024. Here are some highlights of our projects and programs throughout the year.