Another key theme in this emerging ideology is that of radi- cal individualism. Writings of cyberlibertarians revel in prospects for ecstatic self-fulfillment in cyberspace and emphasize the need for individuals to disburden themselves of encumbrances that might hinder the pursuit of rational self-interest. The experien- tial realm of digital devices and networked computing offers end- less opportunities for achieving wealth, power and sensual plea- sure. Because inherited structures of social, political, and eco- nomic organization pose barriers to the exercise of personal power and self-realization, they simply must be removed. Seeking intellectual grounding for this position, writers of the Magna Carta turn to prophetess of unblushing egoism, Ayn Rand. Rand's defense of individual rights without responsibili- ties and her attack upon altruism, social welfare and government intervention are upheld as dazzling insights by the team from the Progress and Freedom Foundation. Indeed, her portraits of he- roic individuals struggling to realize their vision and creativity against the opposition of small minded bureaucrats and igno- rant masses both foreshadow and inform the cyberlibertarian vi- sion. Less apparent to Rand's new followers is the bleak misan- thropy her writings express.