Ayn Rand Quotes - 101 quotes

Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a Russian-American writer and philosopher. She is best known for her novels "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," as well as for developing a philosophical system she called Objectivism. She was born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia. Rand grew up during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution, which deeply influenced her views on individualism and collectivism. In 1926, she emigrated to the United States, where she pursued a career in screenwriting and later in novel writing. Her first major success came with "The Fountainhead" in 1943, which tells the story of an innovative architect, Howard Roark, and his battle against conventional standards. "Atlas Shrugged," published in 1957, is considered her magnum opus. It explores a dystopian United States where private businesses suffer under increasingly oppressive laws and regulations. The novel promotes Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and laissez-faire capitalism. Throughout her life, Rand was a vocal advocate for her philosophical beliefs, writing numerous essays and giving lectures. She passed away on March 6, 1982, in New York City. Her works continue to influence and inspire many, particularly within the libertarian and conservative movements.