What is the significance of "Atlas Shrugged"?

A magnum opus promoting objectivism.

What was the fallout of the affair between Ayn Rand and Nathaniel Branden?

Emotional turmoil and disillusionment with objectivism.

Ayn Rand, a bestselling novelist, developed objectivism, emphasizing reason as the paramount value, influencing prominent figures like Alan Greenspan and Clarence Thomas.
The tumultuous affair between Nathaniel Branden and Ayn Rand, along with the fallout involving Barbara, led to emotional turmoil, impacting relationships and belief systems, ultimately challenging the philosophy of individualism.

Who is Ayn Rand?
A novelist and creator of objectivism.
What is objectivism?
A worldview centered on reason and self-interest.
What is the significance of "Atlas Shrugged"?
A magnum opus promoting objectivism.
Who was Nathaniel Branden?
A young admirer of Ayn Rand.
What was the fallout of the affair between Ayn Rand and Nathaniel Branden?
Emotional turmoil and disillusionment with objectivism.

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Ayn Rand, a highly successful novelist of the 20th century, sold over 27 million copies of her books, influencing notable figures like Alan Greenspan, Ron and Rand Paul, Clarence Thomas, and John Stossel.
Born in 1905 in Russia, Rand witnessed the Russian revolutions in 1917, leading to her rejection of God and dedication to reason.
Rand's intellectual pursuits led her to develop a new worldview called objectivism, centered on reason as the ultimate value.
Moving to the U.S., Rand settled in Hollywood, where she wrote novels like "We The Living" and "Anthem," infusing them with her objectivist principles.
Rand's magnum opus, "Atlas Shrugged," took 12 years to write and aimed to solidify objectivism as the correct worldview.
Nathaniel Branden, a young admirer of Rand's work, became intimately involved with her, leading to a complex love affair that involved their spouses' consent.
Despite the affair, Rand's influence over Branden and others remained strong, shaping their beliefs and actions.
Rand's redefinition of concepts like altruism and love reflected her objectivist principles, emphasizing reason and self-interest.
The affair between Rand and Branden caused significant emotional turmoil for all involved, challenging their beliefs and relationships.
Ultimately, the affair's consequences left a lasting impact on those involved, highlighting the complexities of personal and philosophical convictions.

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Frank turned to alcohol, becoming a raging alcoholic, while Nathaniel and Ein grew bitter and judgmental as The Institute expanded, conducting interrogations on students to ensure alignment with reason and objectivist principles.
Ein, a sexually explicit author in an unsatisfying marriage, falls into deep depression after finishing her famous book, "Atlas Shrugged," leading to a tumultuous affair with Nathaniel and a subsequent fallout with Barbara.
The affair's aftermath results in a chaotic spiral, with Ein cutting off Nathaniel and Barbara, shutting down The Nathaniel Brandon Institute, and causing widespread turmoil, ultimately leading to a disillusionment with the philosophy of individualism and joy.