Ayn Rand, born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, emigrated to the United States in 1926. Influenced by her experiences under Soviet rule, she developed a philosophy centered on individualism and freedom. Rand initially found success in Hollywood as a screenwriter before publishing her first novel, We the Living, in 1936. Her breakthrough came with The Fountainhead in 1943, introducing her philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest and rejects collectivism. Rand's magnum opus, Atlas Shrugged (1957), further detailed her beliefs, solidifying her reputation as a controversial thinker. Through her novels and essays, she amassed a following that helped establish Objectivism as a philosophical movement. Rand's work has continued to influence political and economic discussions, especially among advocates of free-market capitalism. Despite criticism, her ideas have left a lasting impact on American thought and policy. Ayn Rand passed away on March 6, 1982, in New York City, leaving a complex legacy that sparks debate to this day.
