The foundations of capitalism are being battered by a flood of altruism, which is the cause of the modern world’s collapse. This is the view of Ayn Rand, a view so radically opposed to prevailing attitudes that it constitutes a major philosophic revolution. In her series of essays, she presents her stand on the persecution of big business, the causes of war, the default of conservatism, and the evils of altruism.
This collection of twenty-six essays includes twenty by Ayn Rand as well as three essays by Alan Greenspan, two by Nathaniel Branden, and one by Robert Hessen. These essays are a challenging look at modern society by some of America’s most provocative intellectuals.
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"This is one of the greatest books I've read. There are only three books I immediately began to re-read upon finishing and this is one of them. The other two are "The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins and "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. While I've never been a great fan of her fictional works, I've been a great fan of Ayn Rand ever since reading this book. Not to say that I don't think her fictional works are great (I just don't enjoy fiction). I really can't say why I enjoy the book without going over just about every page. So, I'll simply say that it is a must read."
— Nathan (5 out of 5 stars)
“One of the most revolutionary and powerful works on capitalism—and on politics—that has ever been published.”
— Professor Leonard Peikoff, Barron’s magazine“One of the best defenses and explanations of capitalism one is likely to read.”
— Walter E. Williams, economist and syndicated columnist" Should be required reading for every high school student in the United States... "
— Richard, 2/20/2014" Funny to read a young Alan Greenspan's arguments for eliminating the federal reserve and returning to the gold standard. "
— Joe, 2/18/2014" it is a very interesting book but very biased "
— Armando, 2/9/2014" Her fiction, non-fiction and biographie must be read. Get to it NOW "
— Paddy, 2/2/2014" I think Rand is an excellent writer. She does a great job showing the logic of behind the free market and how it is morally superior to any other economical/political system. "
— Jon-david, 2/1/2014" These one's got kinda repetitive. "
— Gabriel, 1/18/2014" This book is awesome. Rand strips away the smeared, distorted, and misrepresented impressions of capitalism and leaves it redefined in its pure form. Capitalism is what made America a great country. It should be required reading in schools along with Hazlitt's "Economics in One Lesson". "
— Shane, 1/11/2014" Very good, some essays written by Alan Greenspan as well as Nathaniel Branden and Ayn Rand. "
— Michael, 12/27/2013" I gave this two stars for two reasons, One for each star, 1. When looking more into what Rand says, her whole notion of life and people is flawed 2. Capitalism isn't a perfect idea as she claims it to be. I can blab on like she does and sell books too. "
— Kendra, 12/10/2013" The philosophical foundation of capitalism. A unique set of essays that dissects collectivism, and includes two essays by Alan Greenspan. Essential economics reading. "
— Jay, 12/10/2013" I haven't actually read all of this book as it's a collection of essays but I have read most of it. I think it's a really good summary of her beliefs about capitalism that are introduced in some of her other works. "
— Sherie, 12/5/2013" The philosophical equivalent of "eat more cookies and you'll lose weight." To see the shallowness of Rand's vision check out Whitaker Chambers' devastating review of Atlas Shrugged. "
— Sean, 12/5/2013" Worth reading for Rand's take, but I liked her novels better. "
— Nedland, 12/5/2013" Cogent essays defending capitalism, free markets, and non-aggression morally, ethically, philosophically, and practically. If you're not an objectivist, why not (no fallacies please)? Why do you think initiation of force is necessary or justified? "
— David, 8/18/2013" So far So in lightning, you think you know but theres always somthing you miss in your studies "
— Philos, 12/3/2012" Read it! Think about it! You can agree with some theses, you can disagree with other, but this book can make you reconsider your political views. "
— Valeri, 9/30/2012" Irrelevant, irrational and muddled. Rand is not the first, nor the best to describe the values of a capitalistic culture. Must read, only for Rand followers. "
— Beth, 4/9/2012" More explanitory than Atlas Shrugged, though it is not as entertaining a read. Rand points out that capitalism has never been tried and if given a chance, would eclipse the socialist systems of today. "
— Trent, 7/2/2011" Should be required reading for every high school student in the United States... "
— Richard, 2/21/2011" I think Rand is an excellent writer. She does a great job showing the logic of behind the free market and how it is morally superior to any other economical/political system. "
— Jon-david, 12/30/2010" Worth reading for Rand's take, but I liked her novels better. "
— Nedland, 12/11/2010" Spot on with our current economic situation in the United States. This is a great primer to understand what true un-controlled capitalism would do given a less involved government. "
— Erich, 7/25/2010" I learned that anytime there is a failure of capitalism it is usually caused by government interference. "
— Connie, 3/23/2010" Don't sleep on capitalism - it's awesome! "
— dola, 3/2/2010" Good editorial format book, you never have to read 100% to get what you want from it. Not a huge Ayn Rand fan myself but nevertheless a good read. Alan Greenspan's complete 180 from 1966 is unbelieveable. "
— Gary, 1/22/2010" I haven't actually read all of this book as it's a collection of essays but I have read most of it. I think it's a really good summary of her beliefs about capitalism that are introduced in some of her other works. "
— Sherie, 1/3/2010" Cogent essays defending capitalism, free markets, and non-aggression morally, ethically, philosophically, and practically. If you're not an objectivist, why not (no fallacies please)? Why do you think initiation of force is necessary or justified? "
— David, 12/31/2009" Ms. Rand makes a very compelling argument for free markets and points out many misconceptions about Capitalism. <br/>I enjoyed this book. "
— Howard, 11/11/2009Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was born in Russia, graduated from the University of Leningrad, and came to the United States in 1926. She published her first novel in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved a spectacular and enduring success, and her unique philosophy, Objectivism, gained a worldwide following.
Kate Fleming (a.k.a. Anna Fields) (1965–2006), winner of more than a dozen Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award in 2004, was one of the most respected narrators in the industry. Trained at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, she was also a director, producer, and technician at her own studio, Cedar House Audio.