Ayn Rand Day is celebrated on February 2 each year. Ayn Rand is the pen name of Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum. She is an inspiring author and philosopher who established the school of Objectivism. Rand is a Russian-born American writer. Some of her most famous works are “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged.” She identifies herself as both a writer and a philosopher. Throughout her life, she also became involved in many controversies, including political controversies. Ayn Rand Day is celebrated to acknowledge the depth of her work and celebrate a life that survived the tribulations of many hardships and conflicts.
History of Ayn Rand Day
Philosophy is an interesting topic that has sparked the attention of many great minds. From the dawn of human civilization, we have had philosophers who enjoyed high positions in society. Alissa Zinovievna Rosenbaum, better known as Ayan Rand, was a Russian writer born into the political turmoil of the Russian Revolution. She was the oldest daughter of Zinovy Zakharovich Rosenbaum. Rand’s family suffered greatly under the rule of the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin. Rand studied in the department of social pedagogy, majoring in history, at Petrograd State University. During her time, she was acquainted with the ideas of Aristotle and Plato. In 1926, Rand arrived in the U.S.Rand starred in the film “The King of Kings” after a chance meeting with filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille. She then started her career as a screenwriter. She went on to publish some of her work over the years under the pen name “Ayn Rand.” Her works were inspired by her experience in Russia and her philosophy of Objectivism. She wrote extensively about the conflict between individuality and totalitarian collectivism. Rand also became politically active around this time. Rand’s harsh approach and lack of methodological rigor resulted in academic philosophers rejecting or ignoring her works. During her lifetime, she did not get much momentum or acknowledgment for her ideas. However, the significance of her literal and academic works grew after her death.Rand married Frank O’Connor in 1929. She received an honorary doctorate from Lewis and Clark University in 1963. Rand published her last article, “The Ayn Rand Letter,” in 1976. She died in the year 1982 due to heart failure.
Ayn Rand Day timeline
Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum is born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on February 2.
Rosenbaum moves from Russia to the U.S.
She publishes her first novel, which is also a semi-autobiography.
Rand expands on the principles of her Objectivist philosophy and began spreading them through her writings and public speaking.
Rand dies due to heart failure while working on a television adaptation of her novel, "Atlas Shrugged.
Ayn Rand Day FAQs
What is Objectivism?
Rand developed a philosophy in which happiness is the ultimate moral purpose of a person’s life. Productive accomplishments are their best acts, and reasoning is seen as absolute.
Did Ayn Rand have children?
No, Ayn Rand did not have children. She was very dedicated to her work.
What happened to Ayn Rand's family?
Her parents died during the siege of Leningrad during World War II.
Ayn Rand Day Activities
-
Read Ayn Rand books
Fair warning, it is going to take you to some of Rand's philosophical thoughts. However, the books are very inspiring and beautifully written. They also shed light on her thoughts and the nature of Russian society.
-
Share Rand's pictures on social media
People who are not into philosophy and literature do not know about Ayn Rand. Share her picture with a brief description to spread information about her.
-
Talk about Objectivism
Rand developed the principles of Objectivism. She also mentioned it extensively throughout her writings and talks. Try to understand the philosophy and have a discussion with your friends who are into philosophy.
5 Important Facts About Ayn Rand
-
Hobbies
Rand was into stamp collections.
-
The big screen
“The Fountainhead” was adapted for the big screen, but the movie did not succeed at the box office.
-
Movie extra
Rand started her career as a movie extra for American filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille.
-
Seven years for a book
“The Fountainhead” took more than seven years to finish.
-
The name
The name “Ayn” was inspired by the name of a Finnish writer, but Rand never revealed his identity.
Why We Love Ayn Rand Day
-
Russian history
Rand was born in Russia and fled to America when she got a chance. Her works can help readers understand what individuals felt in Russia during the revolution and war.
-
Healthy philosophical discussions
Ayn Rand Day can spark academic conversations and debates about different aspects of Objectivism. It can be interesting and informative for budding philosophers.
-
She inspires writers
Rand featured a dystopian future in some of her works. Her work is a good training ground for new writers trying to learn different styles.
Ayn Rand Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 2 | Thursday |
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 2 | Tuesday |
