Ayn Rand and Capitalism

“I thrived on Rand’s message that only quality work counted, not who you are.”

When I was teaching 8th grade English one of the novels by honor students read was "Anthem" by Ayn Rand. Even in this small compact piece her allegory is transparent as she introduces her philosophy of objectivism best defined by its extolling of individuality, freedom, and reason. Turns out that not only did White Oak Middle School see Ayn Rand as worth reading but many CEO's did too.

The New York Times has an article about how Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" was a major influence for people the likes of Alan Greenspan, James M. Kilts (who led turnarounds at Gillette, Nabisco and Kraft), Marc Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks) and John P. Mackey, the chief executive of Whole Foods who found her supporting of “the virtue of selfishness" to be a rationale for success in our capitalistic culture.

And although I do not espouse any of Rand's philosophies (in fact, almost diametrically opposed to them), it is an interesting read and commentary on what influences key business and societal leaders.