In my book, The Happiness Experiment, which comes out on July 8th. I share how beliefs and mindset shape our happiness. If we believe the world is auspicious and problems are solvable, happiness is possible. If we believe life is rigged against us, happiness is not possible.
A benevolent mindset is a positive outlook: the idea that challenges can be overcome, and that success and joy are achievable. A malevolent mindset assumes the opposite, that the world is hostile, unfair, and stacked against us.
Ayn Rand outlines these premises in The Romantic Manifesto. In her essays, “Art and Cognition” and “Philosophy and Sense of Life,” she discusses how value judgments influence our outlook, emotions, and artistic preferences.
She identifies two fundamental orientations:
- The Benevolent Universe Premise: The world is intelligible; problems are solvable; success and happiness are achievable through reason and effort. Life is worth living.
- The Malevolent Universe Premise: The world is unknowable or hostile; failure is inevitable; suffering is the norm. Life is to be endured.
Gregory Salmieri, in A Companion to Ayn Rand, expands on Rand’s ideas. In his chapter “The Objectivist Ethics,” he shows how embracing reason and rational values naturally leads to a benevolent view of life.
We see benevolent and malevolent mindsets on the global stage. Iran, threatening nuclear destruction to Israel (and the USA), embodies malevolence; so does Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—both are driven by resentment, destruction, and ill will.
By contrast, nations like America, Israel, and India strive to protect life, liberty, and rights – imperfect but fundamentally life-affirming societies. They operate on benevolent premises.
If we, as individuals, see life’s opportunities, we can build a life of happiness for ourselves and those we care about.
It is possible to cultivate a benevolent mindset that fuels success and ever-increasing happiness; my book, The Happiness Experiment, shows how.
We can choose benevolence. Happiness follows.
Carl B. Barney
June 23, 2025