Ayn RandAyn Rand, [Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum] (1905-1982) Russian-American novelist, philosopher, playwright, and screenwriter

Ayn Rand Quote

“Let me explain this.  There are, fundamentally, only two causes of the progress of the nineteenth century -- the same two causes which you will find at the root of any happy, benevolent, progressive era in human history.  One cause is psychological, the other existential -- or: one pertains to man's consciousness, the other to the physical conditions of his existence.  The first is reason, the second is freedom.  And when I say "freedom," I do not mean poetic sloppiness, such as "freedom from want" or "freedom from fear" or "freedom from the necessity of earning a living."  I mean "freedom from compulsion -- freedom from rule by physical force."  Which means: political freedom. ”

Ayn RandAyn Rand
~ Ayn Rand

Faith and Force: The Destroyers of the Modern World, A lecture delivered at Yale University on February 17, 1960, at Brooklyn College on April 4, 1960, and at Columbia University on May 5, 1960. Published as a pamphlet by the Nathaniel Branden Institute in 1967, and now included as a chapter in the book, Philosophy: Who Needs It

Ratings and Comments


jim k, Austin

Ayn is spot on, as usual.

cal, Lewisville, Texas

Having escaped from the Soviet Union she certainly knows what she is talking about.

E Archer, NYC

Sad that 'Freedom' is no longer a word used by the very government representatives entrusted with its protection...

Mike, Norwalk

I don't quite agree with most of Rand's definitions BUT, close enough to give 5 stars.

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