The Passion of Ayn Rand

The Passion of Ayn Rand is a memoir by Barbara Branden that details the life and philosophy of the Russian-born American writer Ayn Rand. Rand is known for her novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, which promote individualism and laissez-faire capitalism. Her philosophy, called Objectivism, posits that existence is independent of perception, that we perceive reality directly, and that ethical egoism and individualism are virtues, while altruism is a vice. Rand believed that philosophy significantly impacts daily life and that a correct philosophy is essential for a successful life. The memoir also touches upon Rand's relationships, including her affair with Nathaniel Branden, and the establishment of the Nathaniel Branden Institute (NBI) to teach Objectivism. Despite criticism and controversy, Rand's work has remained influential among conservatives and libertarians.12