Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand is the author of the classic American novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged and the originator of a comprehensive philosophical system called "Objectivism" that emphasizes the primacy of human reason, the moral importance of individualism and the necessity of political freedom.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia and educated in Soviet universities, Rand emigrated to the United States in her early twenties and settled in Hollywood where she worked in the film industry as an extra and a screenwriter. Rand went on to success as a novelist, beginning with We the Living and Anthem and followed by the best-selling The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. The later novels won Rand a coterie of devoted followers who were attracted to her stirring arguments for the morality of individualism and laissez faire capitalism.

In her later years, Rand applied herself to the development of her philosophy in lectures and works of nonfiction such as The Virtue of Selfishness and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. An often fractious intellectual movement grew up around Rand and her work, and although she disavowed the label "libertarian," Rand's political thought has had great influence in the contemporary libertarian movement. Rand's writings continue to serve as a popular source of interest in moral individualism and libertarian political theory.

Related Links

Timeline of Ayn Rand's Life and Career

Ayn Rand and Objectivism: An Overview

Ayn Rand's HUAC Testimony

The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies

The Objectivist Center

The Ayn Rand Institute

Ayn Rand Resources at Epistemelinks.com

Resources by Ayn Rand

Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal