Known more commonly by her pen name Ayn Rand
The Russian-born American writer developed the philosophical system of Objectivism. She was educated in Russia before coming to the United States in 1926. Her works are both entertaining and thought-provoking. In the 1927, she was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature.
Atlas Shrugged
The novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is one of the most famous works of all time. It was Rand's fourth novel and her magnum opus. The novel deals with the question of human freedom and responsibility. As with most works by Ayn Rand, the novel is not easy to understand, but if you take the time to read it carefully, you'll find that it's worth the effort.
Despite its heavy content and complicated plotline, the novel is an engaging and thought-provoking read. It combines social satire, mystery, and science fiction in a way that paints a vivid picture of America gone wrong. While the story contains a number of tragic moments, it also boasts some inspiring heroes. The novel features Dagny Taggart, the first epic heroine of the modern age, and Hank Rearden, a successful entrepreneur. With its strong theme of individual freedom, Atlas Shrugged is a great read for anyone who values independence and individual thought.
The Fountainhead
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is a timeless novel, and its theme of individualism versus collectivism is one that has not faded with time. Despite the author's upbringing in the totalitarian Soviet Union, she firmly believes that individual rights and political freedom are the basis for a free society. The novel is an eloquent expression of the American spirit, and many have regarded it as one of the greatest American novels.
Ayn Rand wrote The Fountainhead in 1943, and by the end of the twentieth century, the book had become one of the best-selling novels of all time. It was made into a film in 1949 starring Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal, and it was a big success. As of the end of the twentieth century, over six million copies had been sold worldwide. Today, it still sells more than a hundred thousand copies a year. Ayn Rand's Ayn Rand Institute even sponsors an essay contest on The Fountainhead each year.
Night of January 16th
The Night of January 16th is a theatrical play by Ayn Rand. Inspired by the murder trial of the "Match King" Ivar Kreuger, the play takes place in a courtroom. Members of the audience are chosen to play jury members. The audience's role is to make decisions that will affect the case.
"The Night of January 16th" is based on the 1934 play of the same name by Ayn Rand. The plot follows the lives of Steve Van Ruyle and Kit Lane. The play was optioned by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1934, and Rand wrote the screenplay. Later, the film was bought by Paramount Pictures, who hired new writers, and Rand had no involvement in the final production.
Relationship with Nathaniel Branden
Nathaniel Branden was Ayn Rand's primary promoter and lover for many years. He was also the model for the character John Galt in Atlas Shrugged. The relationship between the two men sparked a series of painful events. Nathaniel began to critically examine the relationship between his emotions and reason. His inquiry was psychological in nature, and eventually prompted the two to split.
Branden is frequently condescending toward Randian associates. His attitude towards George Reisman and Peikoff is particularly damaging. He portrays both of these men as emotionally dependent and social hostages. Branden's condescending tone is a disservice to independent minds, and it undermines their potential.
Individualism
Individualism is a philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of every individual and the right to equality. Ayn Rand explores this idea in her novel Anthem. In the book, the main character, Equality 7-2521, grows from a faceless, brainwashed drone to a powerful, self-aware man.
In the novel Anthem, the protagonist, Equality 7-2521, grows up in an anti-individualist society. As a result, he finds empowerment in his ego. Rand describes the ego as "the word which cannot die on this earth, the meaning, and the glory of it." Equality's growth exemplifies the strength of the individual ego.
Metaphysical naturalism
Ayn Rand's metaphysical naturalistic philosophy, as presented in her book Philosophy, posits that the universe is uncreated, and therefore, everything is based on a purely objective nature. Rand rejects the possibility of actualized or potential infinities, arguing that each magnitude must be of a definite measurable extent. In addition, she maintains that existence is fundamental, and thus, there can be no creation.
The first concept, identified as "A," is the notion of existence, and all other concepts are secondary expressions of that idea. A thing can exist only if it has a particular nature, which is the only way it can behave.
