Ayn
Rand

Ayn Rand, born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia, grew up witnessing the tumultuous changes brought about by the Russian Revolution. These early experiences with communism deeply influenced her vehement opposition to collectivism and her fierce defense of individual rights. Emigrating to the United States in 1926, Rand pursued a career in screenwriting and later delved into novel-writing, where she would articulate her philosophical beliefs with unparalleled clarity and conviction.

Her magnum opus, "Atlas Shrugged," alongside "The Fountainhead," are not just novels but philosophical treatises celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, personal responsibility, and the moral validity of self-interest. Despite facing initial criticism, her works gained a dedicated following and remain influential, especially among libertarian and conservative circles. Rand's philosophy, termed Objectivism, emphasizes reason, individualism, and capitalism, and has spawned dedicated institutes, studies, and debates. She passed away on March 6, 1982, but her ideas, both revered and contested, continue to inspire discussions on the role of the individual in society.