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Ayn Rand

Born in 1905 in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, Ayn Rand (“Ayn” rhymes with line) was a renowned philosopher and author. She moved to America where, upon mastering the English language, she authored a number of philosophical books in both the non-fiction and novel format. Among her books were The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, two novels that succeeded in being compelling, intellectual (yet readable) stories while simultaneously making her philosophy, objectivism, accessible to an audience around the world. The books received critical acclaim and became international bestsellers. They are now considered classics of modern literature.

Among the characteristics that Rand’s objectivism touted were rational self- interest, individualism and capitalism. She was a liberal who ardently supported the rights of the individual and the idea of a government with a definite yet minimal role. The protagonists of her writings oftentimes had the nature that she considered to be ideal: talented and self-sufficient with the ability to hold fast to one’s values even though one is not understood by society. Thanks to the widespread appeal of her novels, she garnered a number of supporters including economist Alan Greenspan, who today is the Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States.

Ayn Rand’s views on moral philosophy and ethics are referred to as ethical egoism. Just as Nietzsche before her, Rand used Christian ethics as contrast class to her own views. Whereas Christian morality emphasizes concern for others at the expense of oneself, Rand’s ethical egoism emphasizes rational self-interest.

Web Resources On Ayn Rand

IEP: Ayn Rand
Wikipedia: Ayn Rand

Book Resources On Ayn Rand

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

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