How Many Libertarians Actually Read Ayn Rand?

Introduction

The concept of a libertarian reading Ayn Rand is often brought up in discussions about the movement. However, the extent to which libertarians, particularly younger generations, are familiar with and read Rand remains a topic of debate. This inquiry can be thought-provoking, similar to questions about how many Christians read the Bible or Marxists read Marx. Yet, the reality is more nuanced. Ayn Rand's works, while influential in the 20th century, do not represent a full understanding of libertarian philosophy and are best seen as a subset of broader freedom-oriented ideas.

Historical Context and Influence

Back in 1971, Jerome Tuccille wrote a book, "It Usually Begins With Ayn Rand," which humorously documented the influence of Rand on the libertarian movement at that time. Many early libertarians were introduced to libertarian ideas through her works. However, as the libertarian movement evolved and embraced various philosophies like anarcho-capitalism, the centrality of Rand's ideas to libertarian thought diminished. This suggests that newer generations of libertarians may not necessarily start with or remain staunchly aligned with Rand's philosophy.

Personal Reflection on Reading Ayn Rand

My own journey into libertarianism was significantly influenced by Ayn Rand's works, but my experience is not unique. At the age of 27, while diagnosed as a libertarian by an anarchist coworker, I delved deeply into Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." After 1,180 pages and a dyslexic pace, I not only solidified my libertarian beliefs but also understood that the common misconceptions about libertarianism stemmed from a lack of foundational knowledge rather than a fundamental flaw in the ideology itself.

"Atlas Shrugged" is more than a political tract; it's a love story, a psychological thriller, and a profound exploration of human freedom. Its timeless relevance resonated with me in a deeply personal way. It reinforced my belief in freedom and inspired me to run for State Representative.

Philosophical and Ideological Differences

While ayn Rand and libertarians share a common goal of promoting freedom, their foundational philosophies differ. Objectivism, as Rand's philosophy is known, is based on the principle of "human freedom" called "objectivism." However, this principle is not part of the standard K-12 education, making the distinction between objectivism and libertarianism more apparent. Both groups aim for freedom but may use different pathways to achieve it.

Conclusion

While the question of how many libertarians read Ayn Rand is an interesting one, it highlights the diversity within the libertarian ideology. Rand's influence is certainly notable, but it is not a defining characteristic for all libertarians. Understanding the nuanced differences between Rand's philosophy and libertarianism as a broader ideology is crucial for a deeper appreciation of both. My journey has demonstrated that personal and intellectual growth can lead to a richer and more informed understanding of freedom.