Atlas Shrugged

What is the central conflict in Atlas Shrugged?

The struggle between individualism (the pursuit of one’s rational self-interest) and collectivism (the subordination of the individual to the group or state).

What does Rand suggest happens when individual freedom is suppressed?

Society collapses because innovation, creativity, and productivity depend on free, rational minds.

How does Rand define morality in Atlas Shrugged?

Morality is based on rational self-interest—each person’s right to live for their own sake, not as a sacrifice to others.

Why does Rand defend capitalism?

Because it’s the only system that recognizes individual rights and rewards merit, creativity, and productivity.

Why does Ayn Rand consider collectivism immoral in Atlas Shrugged?

Rand argues that collectivism is immoral because it denies the moral worth of the individual.

It demands self-sacrifice to the group, replacing reason and personal responsibility with obedience and dependency.

By elevating the collective above the individual, it destroys human freedom, creativity, and dignity.

According to Atlas Shrugged, what are the practical results of a collectivist society?

Collectivism leads to economic collapse, corruption, and moral decay.

When productivity is punished and mediocrity rewarded, the capable withdraw, and society starves.

Without individual initiative or accountability, the world becomes ruled by coercion and fear instead of reason and trade.

Quote: Ayn Rand on the hypocrisy of defending minorities

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.