Objectivism is the philosophy created by famed writer and political thinker Ayn Rand in the mid twentieth century. The principles of Objectivism are outlined in Rand’s work, specifically the novels “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged.” Rand herself described her philosophy as meant for “living on Earth” and specifically grounded in reality. The main tenets of Objectivism are that the main moral purpose for one’s life is the pursuit of one’s own happiness or self interest and to assert individual rights to make this possible. The philosophy of Objectivism is controversial among many scholars and today, the Ayn Rand Institute is the primary force in voicing Objectivist views into the mainstream for people to consider.

Over recent years, Objectivism has been given new life, primarily as a political philosophy, due to changing events throughout the world. In stating the important role of individual rights, Rand viewed laissez-faire capitalism as the primary way of obtaining one’s happiness. She viewed Communism, Socialism, Fascism, Statism, and the welfare state has the systems most likely to trample an individual’s rights and as the most dangerous systems in society today. The United States primarily, but also Europe and parts of Asia, have been going through political turmoil in that how countries are run is changing. The majority of Europe has turned into a pseudo socialistic-welfare state, allowing for massive government and for a person’s rights to be taken away. Currently the United States is also on an alarming track.

With the election of President Barack Obama and large Democratic majorities in Congress, the move for big government, a large welfare state, and some socialistic tendencies are beginning to show. Americans, those that realize what is going on anyway, have begun to look more at Ayn Rand’s work and are seeing eerie parallels to what is happening today to our country. Since the stimulus bill and bail out bills have been passed in Congress, sales of “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged” has soared, despite them being over 50 years old. Objectivism is finding a home in the political communities that most embrace individual rights, conservatives and libertarians primarily. These groups are united in their opposition to what the liberals are currently undertaking because with the loss of our individual rights, we are slowly going to lose our ability to pursue our own self interest and personal happiness. As government is continuing its course down this scary road, more and more average Americans are discovering Objectivism and realizing what is going on around them is ultimately not in their best interest.