Objectivism In One Lesson:
An Introduction to
the Philosophy Of Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand’s novels are beloved by the American people and by many others around the world. The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, for example, have each sold millions of copies and continue to sell well over 100,000 copies annually, decades after their publications. Because of their brilliant plot structures and vivid characterizations, these books are widely read and admired. As millions of readers have discovered, Ayn Rand wove her revolutionary philosophy of Objectivism inextricably into the plots, characters, and actions of these novels, suffusing them with a rare intellectual depth.

Ayn Rand wrote many non-fiction books and essays, as well, but no comprehensive theoretical presentation of her philosophy. The definitive treatment of her thought is Leonard Peikoff’s Objectivism: the Philosophy of Ayn Rand (OPAR). Dr. Peikoff, Ayn Rand’s leading student and long-time associate, wrote an in-depth work in philosophy that is ideal for advanced students; but it was never intended as an introduction to Objectivism. Consequently, a bridge is needed, an introductory text for the millions of readers who love Ayn Rand’s novels and who want to take the next step in understanding her philosophy that will culminate with their study of OPAR.

Objectivism in One Lesson is that text.

This book therefore assumes that the reader has some familiarity with Ayn Rand’s novels—especially Anthem, The Fountainhead, and/or Atlas Shrugged—and now seeks to further explore Ayn Rand’s distinctive ideas.

Some readers will be familiar with Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson, a book that served, in part, as inspiration for this one. Hazlitt’s excellent little book explained the fundamentals of economics by reference to one principle—the necessity to identify all consequences of an economic action on all individuals, not merely some effects on some people. Hazlitt brilliantly showed the beneficial effects of observing this principle, and the deleterious results of repudiating it.

In a similar manner, this book seeks to show that Ayn Rand’s philosophy, on every question, topic, and issue, from its commitment to logic to its advocacy of selfishness to its championing of laissez-faire capitalism, to every other, is integrated around one unifying theme: man’s rational mind is his sole means of gaining knowledge, survival, and happiness. This, as will be seen, is: The Lesson of Objectivism. If human beings recognize and follow this principle, we will flourish. If we deny or ignore it, we will act as our own destroyers.

Objectivism In One Lesson: An Introduction to the Philosophy Of Ayn Rand,
will be available September 16, 2008. 

For information on pre-ordering, visit Hamilton Books:

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... or University Press of America:

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