Ayn Rand’s (1905 – 1982) personal philosophy, Objectivism, was directly impacted by the political influences she was exposed to throughout her upbringing, namely Russian socialism and, as an adult, American capitalism. Objectivism holds that: reality exists as an objective absolute, man is an end to himself and his purpose in life lies within satisfying rational self-interests, and laissez-faire capitalism reigns supreme over any other form of economy. She preaches that one must live a “selfish” life – not selfish in the sense that most would assume, but selfish according to these rules she has set forth: “Follow reason, not whims or faith. Work hard to achieve a life of purpose and productiveness. Earn genuine self-esteem. Pursue your own happiness as your highest moral aim. Prosper by treating others as individuals, trading value for value.” Rand places the heaviest emphasis on reason and logic. It is the glue that holds her sometimes contradictory arguments together, a blanket statement that justifies her ideas because one can simply claim they make sense. The first time Rand saw the skyline of Manhattan as she immigrated to roaring twenties America, a country in its capitalistic peak, she cried self-described “tears of splendor”, blown away by the majesty of such a thriving civilization. Compared to her upbringing, where her bourgeoise
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Andrew Ryan imposes his personal beliefs on Rapture’s citizens, predominantly Atheism. Over the city’s brief existence, the people did not forsake God; rather, Christianity became the underground religion of Rapture, and smugglers made their living dealing out religious paraphernalia. Such is the jaded concept of freedom in Rapture. It is not true or limitless. It is Andrew Ryan’s personal, and misguided, attempt at a personal utopia, in which others promised the same greatness are only allowed to have it be so if it does not impose on his own. From the very beginning, this hierarchy is
Andrew Ryan imposes his personal beliefs on Rapture’s citizens, predominantly Atheism. Over the city’s brief existence, the people did not forsake God; rather, Christianity became the underground religion of Rapture, and smugglers made their living dealing out religious paraphernalia. Such is the jaded concept of freedom in Rapture. It is not true or limitless. It is Andrew Ryan’s personal, and misguided, attempt at a personal utopia, in which others promised the same greatness are only allowed to have it be so if it does not impose on his own. From the very beginning, this hierarchy is