Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism was set forth in such works as her epic novel Atlas Shrugged, and in her brilliant non-fiction essays. Objectivism is designed as a guide to life, and celebrates the remarkable potential and power of the individual. Objectivism also challenges the doctrines of irrationalism, self-sacrifice, brute force, and collectivism that have brought centuries of chaos and misery into the lives of millions of individuals. It provides fascinating insights into the world of politics, art, education, foreign policy, science, and more, rewarding you with a rich understanding of how ideas shape your world. Those who discover Objectivism often describe the experience as life-changing and liberating.
Ayn Rand's philosophical works have been praised as presenting historic breakthroughs in thinking. At the Atlas Society, our scholars work to further develop this philosophy born in the mid-twentieth century. We present the empowering principles of Objectivism to a global audience, and offer those principles as a rational and moral alternative in the marketplace of philosophical ideas.
We do this through a variety of programs, which include:
The Atlas Society was founded by David Kelley as The Institute for Objectivist Studies in 1990. In his statement at the Institute's founding (since published in The Contested Legacy of Ayn Rand), David Kelley called for an open, intellectually tolerant Objectivist movement characterized by a benevolent and rational sense of life. Today, The Atlas Society stands at the heart of this branch of the movement.Not all Objectivists and admirers of Ayn Rand have agreed with Dr. Kelley's vision, and the Objectivist movement continues to be divided against itself by intense and often personal differences and debates. In this section of our website, we provide resources that explain the open, benevolent approach to Objectivism and provide responses to criticisms directed at our program and work.
