Objectivism holds that the greatest moral goal is individual happiness. It was founded by Ayn Rand and advocates rational individualism and laissez-faire capitalism. Objectivism believes that man must pursue happiness through respecting reality and not be a victim of forces beyond his control, and rejects ideas like altruism and collectivism.

1. “ Objectivism holds that there is no greater moral goal than achieving happiness.” By Kelly Ainsworth & Kim Ryan

2. Background Defined by Ayn Rand (1905-1982), a Russian-American philosopher who produced many novels based on Objectivism. Movement began informally, sparked by students who shared interest in her novel The Fountainhead in 1950. What was once a small group in Rand’s living room soon became, with encouragement from her students, an expanded movement in the form of magazines, journals, and academic organizations spearheaded by Rand and her passionate colleagues. The core group ironically called themselves “The Collective”, working towards building the movement of individualism.

3. Fundamentals Philosophy of rational individualism: man must live for himself and pursue happiness as he knows it. This cannot be achieved simply by wanting it; the first step to attaining happiness is to aptly respect the facts of reality, particularly human nature and need. Advocates laissez-faire capitalism : a free-enterprise system to operate according to its own economic laws. > protects each person's rights to life, liberty, and property. > The man who builds, invents, and creates with the use of his own talent and drive is a “hero of Objectivism”. Objectivism is optimistic; it encourages the growth of individuality and living life with the utmost fulfillment.

4. Principles of Objectivism Moral integrity Respect for the rights of others Rejections: - the supernatural - skepticism - mysticism (faith or feeling = knowledge) - man is a victim of forces beyond his control - altruism - collectivism - “mixed economy”

5. Anthem Anthem , written by Ayn Rand, is a short story of a society in which man lives for his brothers in every sense; the work he does is for his brothers and the schooling he does not receive is used towards the education of his brothers. The main character does not realize that he is one singular and independent man until the last few pages. His discovery of individualism and freedom outside the constraints of this society drives him to pursue and explore life exactly how he wants and, most importantly, for himself.