Ayn Rand presented Objectivism as a philosophy of reason.
Rand wrote two best-selling books: “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged” that are best selling introductions to the ideas of an individual, personal freedom and the free market. They are compelling “reads,” which is certainly what Rand wanted. Rand’s passionate and moralistic tone, is a real part of her appeal and is no less than an equal and opposite reaction to the self-righteousness that is still characteristic of leftist rhetoric.
Few writers are able to convey an irresistible ferocity of convictions as Rand does. To many who have been raised and indoctrinated with the standard disparagements of capitalism, a novel like Atlas Shrugged can produce something very much like a Conversion Experience. At the same time, the harsh certainty of an autodidact and self-made person, and the high handed authoritarian manner of Rand’s personality, worked against her case, her cause, and her life with the Liberals and the Leftists among us. For the rest of us it was liberating. A walk into the golden highlands of life.
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