Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, 1957 Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, 1957.

Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a controversial Russian-American writer and philosopher known for her novel "Atlas Shrugged," published in 1957. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Rand witnessed firsthand the Bolshevik Revolution's impact and the subsequent rise of communism. These experiences greatly influenced her thinking and perspective.

After immigrating to the United States in 1926, Rand began forging her career as a writer. Her works becoming known for their advocacy of individualism, free markets, and limited government intervention. Rand developed a philosophical system known as Objectivism, which she believed to be a rational and logical approach to life and society.

"Atlas Shrugged" is considered Rand's magnum opus. The novel presents a dystopian future where society starts to collapse due to excessive government regulations and the stifling of individual achievement. The story follows the struggles of various entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators who choose to "go on strike" to revolt against the system and protect their values.

"Atlas Shrugged" captured public attention and generated both admiration and controversy. It attracted a large following, particularly among those who appreciated Rand's promotion of individualism and laissez-faire capitalism.

Throughout her life, Ayn Rand defended her philosophy passionately, advocating for reason, self-interest, and individual rights. Her ideas continue to influence political and philosophical discourse to this day, leaving a lasting impact on those who confront her complex and uncompromising worldview.

The worst guilt is to accept an unearned guilt.

The worst guilt is to accept an unearned guilt.

Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, 1957


When I disagree with a rational man, I let reality be our fi

When I disagree with a rational man, I let reality be our final arbiter; if I am right, he will learn; if I am wrong, I will; one of us will win, but both will profit.

Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, 1957

Reality

The good, say the mystics of spirit, is God, a being whose o

The good, say the mystics of spirit, is God, a being whose only definition is that he is beyond man's power to conceive - a definition that invalidates man's consciousness and nullifies his concepts of existence. The good, say the mystics of muscle, is Society - a thing which they define as an organism that possesses no physical form, a super-being embodied in no one in particular and everyone in general except yourself.... The purpose of man's life, say both, is to become an abject zombie who serves a purpose he does not know, for reasons he is not to question.

Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, 1957

Man Mankind