Why did critics object to Ayn Rand’s ideas in Atlas Shrugged?

Critics from across the political spectrum objected to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged primarily due to its perceived immorality and misanthropy.1

The novel’s philosophical framework, known as objectivism, drew significant controversy for its unconventional moral claims, specifically the assertion that selfishness is a virtue and that altruism is a vice. Furthermore, the book faced criticism for its overt hostility toward religion, as Rand was an atheist.12

While the work was celebrated by many business leaders for its moral justification of capitalism, these core tenets—which prioritize individual self-interest and reject traditional collectivist or religious moral authorities—remained the primary points of contention for her detractors.12