Ayn Rand is most famous for her books Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. In each of these novels, Rand displays and illustrates an ideology that she created called Objectivism. In my opinion, the invention of this concept is one of Rand’s most brilliant movements. Objectivism “glorifies the autonomous individual who denies that he is his brother's keeper and rejects the traditional Western moral responsibility to love his neighbor as himself” (Heller 1). Rand’s novels continue to sell astonishing amounts even after her death. Her views and support for extreme Republicanism are still referred to by many prominent political figures including many presidential campaigners, as well as current conservative talk show hosts Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.

Rand was extremely strict about the use and interpretation of her ideas. In fact, she attempted to limit any interpretation at all and called any unauthorized usage of her ideologies plagiarism. She only allowed herself and her lover, Nathaniel Branden, to be referred to by anyone as Objectivists. Every individual choosing to follow Rand’s beliefs and ideologies were merely “students of Objectivism” (Kirchner 53). Rand was very aware of the power and value of her thoughts and protected them in that manner.

Works Cited

Fishman, Ethan. "Laissez-Faire Run Amok: The Extremist, and Enduring, Philosophy of Ayn Rand." MasterFILE Premier 79.1 (2010). Web. 6 Dec. 2010.

Kirchner, Stephen. "Ayn Rand and the World She Made/Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right." Policy 26.1 (2010): 53-54. Web. 06 Dec. 2010.

Photograph. Never Yet Melted. D.H. Lawrence, 12 Oct. 2010. Web. 6 Dec. 2010. .