Very...Objectivism means what it says. However the topic is more than interesting. If you would care to rephrase using some recommended source I would be obliged. Some of us are closed objectivists and some open objectivists. Same basic rules apply. Thank you.

Astronomical is a the word of a mystic. Whatever the number it is astronomical relative to what? The reason identical teams are never exactly alike is because they are not identical. A lot of close calls but no evidence of identical yet exists. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The amount of 'almost had it by current definitions is far too many to be a phenomena.

Ah yes. But other wise it was a great comment!!! Something I've kept inside for far too long a great weight has lifted....that's what reason will do for you to my way of thinking. Due in no small way to the atmosphere in the Gulch!

I don't believe I mentioned the word 'soul.' The proper word however would be 'mind.' Example. A police officer arrives at the scene of a traffic accident. Two vehicles. In one is a dazed and apparently inebriated driver. In the other one dead infant plastered against the inside of the windshield and one injured driver presumably the parent. The immediate needs are many. Call for ambulances and a back up to help control traffic, a supervisor, and at some point a wrecker. All of that takes place without emotion including. checking the skid marks, the light bulbs headlights and turn signals and other physical evidence. the need for immediate first responder treatment each begging for immediate attention. In constant view is the infants body and a windshield covered in blood.

The emotions rage to react..There is no time. Assistance arises a verbal report made. A traffic accident specialist arrives same thing. the ambulance takes the driver of #2 the victim's car away too the hospital where a BA blood alcohol is ordered as a matter of routine. The driver of #1 based on evidence is removed from the vehicle, handcuffed and placed in a patrol vehicle

Photos are taken the whole system is in gear. The supervisor orders the responding officer to do ttwo things.

Go behind a bush..... and then when ready go to the hospital to supervise the BA procedures.

At that point emotion takes over....accompanied by vomiting....the mental image of the infant now being peeled off the inside of the windshield rules... For a few minutes. Then he states she was not wearing a belt, the child was not secured, they both need their rights read and proceeds to do that. Reason has taken control. The investigative procedure has turned into a double arrest. Who is ultimately responsible? That went to the court. Both were charged. The officer returns to the stations writes a report and asks for a ride home. Emotion has returned....but reason is still in control.

The difference. Emotion is a body function, an automatic control mechanism....with time and experiences much the same it
does a better job but then the officer is viewed as seasoned...and the vomiting takes longer to occur.

High stress situations combine the two. But the situation...the ground truth test demands reason.

Add a few additional elements such as a hostile crowd.... it's volatile. The only hope is reason.

Add 'no witnesses, no one saw anything' adds frustration.

Not a made up story....

What saves the day for all concerned is proper training and constant preparation and testing of one's abilities. The autopilot function of the brain takes over. No one remembers writing down the time or any number of other key but small points.
At least until after three or four of these situations. Paramedics and police face this sort of thing until it becomes routine an they try not to be calloused.

The woman driver in #2 was not drunk. She had taken some medications that induced drowsiness and had a clearly labeled warning.

She was still charged with reckless endangerment contributing to the death of her own child. i's dotted, t's crossed it went ot he court system and the jury, two lawyers, a judge and ... at least one psychiatrist. She later took some other medications..... too many of them. Some one elses turn

That was decades ago - the images are gone. But not the memories. Those are part of the function of reason and no amount of wishful thinking or mystical experience will change what happened.

and if I may bootstrap again...go to the animal shelter and find a new best friend. Another way of saying recognize, confront and control emotion. with reason. The dog as a best friend is a useful metaphor but I do not let it become a controlling reality. I am I. Dog was Dog. I hope this followed in order the previous comment.

Only if you follow it up with reason and enquire as to the the truth behind the emotion and then test that to see if reason can and is controlling emotion.

My dog is my best frriend. My dog is faithful. I kinow that because of his actions. My dog dies, I am despondent.I am sad. I have lost my best friend. What are my actions. Perhaps a symbolic funeral in the back yard which serves to bury the past and my emotions then I look for a new best friend. OR I burn down the dog house and vow never to have another best friend again but mourn for the rest of my life. Reason controls emotion or emotion negates the use of reason.