Ayn RandAyn 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. Ran 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. Read More Read Less