Ayn Rand on Capitalism vs. Communism

Learn more about Ayn Rand and her philosophy: aynrand.org/learnmore
In this 1961 lecture, delivered to the Presidents Club of the American Management Association, Ayn Rand outlines commonly heard arguments for capitalism and emphasizes that the only proper defense is a moral one. She seeks to explain why capitalism has been so savagely attacked and why businessmen often bear those attacks in silence.
Recorded in 1961
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Keywords: capitalism, socialism, communism

[@deadlyoneable]

Funny how this woman keeps getting left out of “most powerful women” lists.

[@2packrm781]

I think it's because she was her own free thinking person, saw/knows right vs wrong, & a genuine 'woman' in her right mind. Plus, she wasn't controllable, which made her an enemy to the hysteric feminists & those who are running, controlling, organizing, & continuing their flawed broken ideology with a pinch of cultism in the mix.

[@lefantomer]

@@2packrm781 She supported our right of ownership of our bodies, you'd think they'd at least concede that!

[@2packrm781]

@@lefantomer I'm on your side with "my body, my responsibility..," hashtag, but they're not going to give her a chance of day because she knows what their plans are & she's aligned herself against them. Why should/would they ever give her sone spot light attention?

[@stuckinthemud4352]

@@2packrm781a baby is not your body it’s just in your body. I’m not completely against abortion but even rand believes in objective reality. The objective reality is you have a baby inside you.

[@2packrm781]

@@stuckinthemud4352 hmm, your 1 sentence is true, but the last sentence is were I'm stuck, why would.. anyone go that far to deny this basic truth on reality? I hope I'm making sense to you.

[@TheRomanm]

We were so lucky to have her come to the US

[@MrRonald327]

She was a woman ahead of her time.

[@nv3796]

Turns out, she might always be ahead of all of time :P

[@ableasdale2000]

Omg, this woman is more relevant today than ever.

[@tomservo75]

When reading "Atlas Shrugged" I have to keep reminding myself that it was written over a half century ago, that except for a few minor details, Rand perfectly predicted our current situation. Bernie Sanders IS (or would be) a Mr. Thompson. The question is, where's our John Galt? Our Ragnar Danneksjöld?

[@angelbarajas9180]

@@tomservo75 Would Hank Reardan be Jeff Bezos?

[@keiichimorisato98]

I find it ironic that communists want to say that she was one of them, using Atlus Shrugged as their example, but completely ignoring everything that she taught. As for the feminists who try to claim her as one of their own, she would be absolutely disgusted with their attitudes.

[@marcosteiner3497]

@@keiichimorisato98 no, she is not one of them, but X.P. had to adopt her concept and impose it by means of State Control. It is still her concept, cos in China, nobody can abuse the State, everybody is forced to use his gifts for his own best, which naturally allowed them to be far ahead as to G5. Without reckognizing individual abilities and individual goals as to welfare, they would never have made it.

[@ableasdale2000]

@Star Trek Theory Why? She didn't write Protocols.?

[@dharmapunk5]

This lecture was given 58 years ago, and it's scary how relevant it remains.

[@rajnishuppal1155]

We need to read her philosophy in context to today’s world. Why is she not taught as a subject to students in schools and universities ? She is so relevant even after seventy years. She is undoubtedly the most intellectual and brilliant philosopher of all times . She is precise, logical, explicit , bold and rational . A genius with utmost clarity.

[@dennis9139]

Schools and universities were over taken by communists.

[@kitchencarvings4621]

She is not taught precisely because her philosophy sets people free and the powers that be don't want that. They want you easy to control. Controlled how? See Atlas Shrugged.

[@sunnyhwhite]

She was a strict Capitalist and spoke out about Socialism and Communism which we in the US seem to embrace. I have always been a Capitalist but feel Ms Rand demands morality without providing a moral compass to follow. She treats everything as a practical matter without regard for feelings. The ultimate “facts don’t care about your feelings.”

[@kitchencarvings4621]

@@sunnyhwhite She does provide a moral compass: It's called reason and true north is the values that human life requires. Have you read The Virtue of Selfishness?

[@sunnyhwhite]

@@kitchencarvings4621 have not read it. She has always struck me as being very cold. Moral ideals can be very different. What or who determines those ideals?

[@oceanhedonist265]

"The Goal of Socialism is Communism." --- Vladimir Lenin.

[@arrrseeingeye]

Same seed, just different stages of growth...

[@angelbarajas9180]

Thanks for the secret Mr.Lenin 😘

[@FakeNewsHunter]

​@@angelbarajas9180 Do not be so silly! Lenin had nothing to hide. It is you who says Communism does not work, because the humans are selfish. Do you really want to give selfish people Capitalism for being able to act selfish??? Yes, capitalism creates selfish people, also dumb, raw, unfair, cheating, robbing, legally exploit others with e.g. ownership of housing, factories, businesses, land, hgoods etc. etc people. But, if you do not want this at first you must stop capitalism. At first: Socialism, a state without capitalists (at least not so big to be able to control the state and mankind. Good honorable "capitalists" Socialism even can support, because there are good capitalis as humans too. They will get all means they need to develeop good technology or services etc. Socialism means all *social* production must be owned and run by the people or there elected responsibles. So e.g. a good capitalist can turn its business into a cooperative with its workers and get state investment or research support etc. It makes for aselfish person not much sense to want to exploit others, if it is no longer possible to do it in Socialism. Capitalist and selfish etc. minds will calm down and see the advantages of being honored and loved for their good ideas and actions for the people or socitey. Money is no longer important for te people. In communism, even money as mean to store and exchange value and the state is bannen. People rule themselfs and are able to do it. Even capitalists are a victims of the rules of the capitalist machinery. There is world-wide deathly competiton. If they break the law to become sucessful for their company they (theoretically) could be charged or replaced because of their dirty work. Then even managers see that they are nothiing else than (formerly) well paid *proletarians* i.e. selling their skin and abilities to the corporations ot "the capital". But I know, I cast pearls before swine'

[@bgymn-fn8jy]

@@FakeNewsHunter man.. capitalism creates win/win situations and creates wealth. its perfect for human nature. its also the natural way, the naturally developed system. if there are no laws but only money, everyones a capitalist. now our capitalism is perverted by interestbanking, fractural reservebanking. if you made that one illegal, there would be REAL growth and prosperity. our capitalistic system is HEAVILY infested by parasites. it is really NOT running optimally. trust me if you make the working class finance the whole regulations and bureaucrats apparatus, healthcare for all the sick office people who never use their body and eat garbage food all day, they will understand they are slaves, theyre working for other people, while putting their own life and health at risk. what happens is that those people will simply defect the country. you will need migrants to do the ''dirty work'' because it isnt paid properly relative to the bureaucrats which only create problems and hinder the workers from doing their job properly. im speaking from experience. ima swiss construction worker. i saved and invested, left the country. now im in asia. where i live, there is like no laws. i havent seen a single crime since im here. because there is no interference with the peoples traditions and culture. the old and poor here are taken care of by the people themselves. nobody here pays taxes. thats for businesses in the city only. here everyone is living without worry on a salary below the minimum taxable salary. i havent seen anyone sick since im here, besides some corona coughing. i have everything i need. my worries here are mosquitos and noise from dogs. this country here has a constitution, like america, a strict government with strict rules, but it does NOT interfere with the people AT ALL. do you think i will ever go back? im not going to work just so the sick and lazy and uselessly employed can have their way. not doing that.

[@FakeNewsHunter]

@@bgymn-fn8jy I agree in one point: Capitalism is perfect for the capitalist nature in humans. This is the reason to stop this damage form greed, robbery, brutalitly and de-humanization. A propos dehumanization: This was also the main reason for Albert Einstein why he went against capitalism in his - in the free world" (haha) - totally hidden book "Why Socialism" 1948 Search for it here or in the search engines. Since virtually nobody is searching it, it is not hidden there, as not required according to the "Open society" -Ideology. Tell the win/win situation to Patrice Lumumba or his fellows in Kongo, or Saddam Hussein, Gaddafi or Milosevic or Assad. The wealth of the Libyan people is completely robbed (Gold,money, Oil) and damaged as everywhere - even USA and Europe is mainly jobless and robbed. What made you so blind?

[@joeygarcia8295]

Why haven't I received any required reading on Ayn Rand in college?

[@joeygarcia8295]

@DUDAH Well, there weren't able to do that to this capitalist. In fact, personally, I entered school as a staunch liberal and came out a conservative. It was the teachings of the liberal bias agenda and rhetoric speech, where many liberal arguments go uncontested, that converted me. Fortunately for me, I was 34 when I entered college with experience in the workforce. However, unfortunately, many young kids are green around the ears and susceptible to the academic biases.

[@fhowland]

That’s what I want to know! Atlas Shrugged changed my life

[@annefrankenstein2114]

@@joeygarcia8295 You don’t sound like you know what you’re talking about.

[@DrMackSplackem]

@@annefrankenstein2114 You sound like a brainwashed cult member.

[@beeaeidels64]

Simple, the educational system in America was taken over by Democrats/leftists many years ago. They’re trying to end Westernized civilization, and end Capitalism completely. If you want a run down on the leftist “progressive” agenda, look up World War Two Propaganda Campaign that hit America’s shores following the war. That propaganda campaign, from WW2, is the Democrat’s platform today.

[@fhowland]

It’s incredible how relevant what she says is to whats happening now in 2021. I just read Atlas Shrugged and couldn’t believe how prescient Rand was.

[@sudilos1172]

Its called the long game. It’s a warning about plans , designs on America. What was then, to be the future. Is our today. And no one is doing anything to stop them

[@mordecaiesther3591]

I want Ayn Rand as President .. or somebody who thinks like her . Cheap Oil and Gas .. cheaper food prices … cheap heat and air conditioner prices . I want coal powered plants . In Jesus Name … I want FREEDOM .. to choose. Not to sacrifice myself for flag or state

[@bobby33x97]

@@mordecaiesther3591 See: Rand Paul!!! or Mike Lee or Alex Epstein!!! If they're not on the ballot >>>Write them in!!!

[@gaozhi2007]

Read it? Brother we're living it! Get those ration cards ready. . .

[@MM-KunstUndWahrheit]

@@mordecaiesther3591 you know she doesn't support the notion of a female president

[@socrateos]

Truth never loses relevance.

[@Trendleader863]

Untill it stops being true

[@daveroberts9921]

No one was trying to escape into the USSR. They were all trying to get to the west.

[@gwaccola]

Well, there were a few unbalanced ones.

[@daveroberts9921]

@@gwaccola you'll always have that I guess. I lived in Ukraine for a couple of years. These idiots in this country who think communism and socialism is the way to go wouldn't last a week over there.

[@k.ohalloran8758]

Dave Roberts - they have no idea what they’ve begging for. It’s insane.

[@jeremias-serus]

Dave Roberts The USSR was an Authoritarian Dictatorial state operating under the mere guise of “Communistic,” they were not. The BASIS of Leftist theory, is to NOT have an Authoritarian leader. Marxist theory does NOT allow for Authoritarian leadership. Anarchism does NOT permit leadership, period. Why do you think the USSR was Socialistic? They weren’t. North Korea is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Do you honestly think the DPRK is ANY of those things, just because they insist so? Furthermore, I would like to clear up one MASSIVE misconception you youngsters seem to have. Socialism and Capitalism do NOT exist in a vacuum. They exist on a spectrum, i.e., in percentages, say 70% Capitalistic, 30% Socialistic. In the modern day: do you think the U.S.A. is some perfect beacon of Capitalism? It’s not. Here in the U.S.A., we have many systems and institutions in place that are inherently Socialistic, like public education. As for @K. O’Halloran, what are Leftists begging for? Actual freedom. We’re all still slaves, just our owners are now known as CEOs, or

[@daveroberts9921]

@@jeremias-serus youngster that is funny I'm 64. I lived in Ukraine for a couple of years back in 2010. It was no picnic. They were at least 40 years behind the times. Their medical system was joke. So don't lecture me about communism and socialism. It's all evil.

[@Couple-O-Ghosts]

This is the single most important call to action in the history of philosophy. If humanity doesn't hear this message soon then I fear we are doomed.

[@Highley1958]

She's a sociopath for fuck's sake.

[@michaeltveten8458]

“I swear by my life, and my love of it, that I’ll never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine”.

[@evmoraga7854]

Yes, she lived by "I've got mine".

[@Amfortas]

@Star Trek Theory says the guy raging at people on the Internet

[@Amfortas]

@Star Trek Theory Socialism is killing your country dude

[@marcosteiner3497]

@Star Trek Theory I would do it, if the circumstances were such as to guarantee a fair chance of staying healthy, but, just like you, out of selfishness. But I would never keep people dependant upon my benevolence, and that is the essence of Ayn Rand

[@FakeNewsHunter]

Nice slogan, but you are cheating yourself by repaeting this well manufactured propaganda slogan. Humans are social species. They did grow up in an communist envireonment without money, payment, but love and mutual help: The family. Of course around it, there is the capitalist envireonment and your parents need to preare you for it. From the start with Tom&Jerry comics, than School to get your degree for selling your skin for a good price on the workforce market. or via shooting games for you killer careere i the military. Try to stop your one-sided manipulation by looking to the other side too: plp.org/books

[@derekhartenstine8545]

I love Ayn Rand. She saw the effects of Capitalism and Communism. She came to America to escape Communism.

[@roblion1696]

What a marvelous insight in your comment.

[@kitchencarvings4621]

When she got here, she was horrified to see the same ideas gaining popularity, and look where we are today.

[@adamdemirs3466]

Arguably one of the most brilliant philosophers of the greatest generation. Grew up in communist Russia and used her brilliance to educate herself and escape to America, maybe not in that order. These arguments are relevant today. Her ideas of a true free market would allow mankind to propel in a way we haven't seen before.

[@marjorydefloria8317]

Hum, a business man knows the difference. :)

[@yellowsmiley]

"We must fight for capitalism, not as a practical issue, not as an economical issue but with the most righteous pride as a moral issue." I love that.

[@boffeycn]

Probably because you are an idiot.

[@DrMackSplackem]

@@boffeycn I kill commies.

[@TheKumarImpressions]

@@boffeycn he isn't idiot...he wanna work hard and earn what's wrong in it...the people who are dependent on others and squeezing others like parasite are selfish

[@MrFritzzz666]

Capitalism is simple greed.

[@zlayer3170]

@@MrFritzzz666 Nope, Communism is greed, the one of the ruling class who have always existed in every communist dystopia. Capitalism is egoism, self ownership and true humanism, because even when you help others, you’re doing it for own selfish desire, not to make the master look good, like in socialism.

[@vanlawprime6694]

Now this is a Brilliant woman. I'm surprised that I know so little of her, that's going to change.

[@anadordevic8554]

The one woman the feminist movement never talks about...

[@tomservo75]

Spread the word brother!

[@bobdavis9727]

@@anadordevic8554 - Good point. Might that be because "Feminism" is a phony sham with no foundation in truth?

[@anadordevic8554]

@bulletsholes Exactly!

[@anadordevic8554]

@@bobdavis9727 Well, it´s just that liberal feminism ignores anyone who disagrees with them (like 90% of them are socialists too...)

[@jamesdorpinghaus3294]

We need an Ayn Rand today.

[@sherryberry4577]

Check out Michael Malice

[@jamesdorpinghaus3294]

I love Michael Malice. Do you watch Tim Pool?

[@sherryberry4577]

Definitely

[@bart-v]

... and a John Galt! Urgently!

[@jamesdorpinghaus3294]

@@bart-v is Elon Musk the John Galt of our universe?

[@vincetesi7328]

Just read Anthem again. I teach business studies in a NJ high school. Next fall I will show my business class this clip when we discuss the differences between Capitalism vs. Communism. Ayn Rand's commentary and philosophy is more relevant now than during the Cold War era.

[@hyperreal]

Thank you for doing the hard work of educating our youth with this crucial knowledge.

[@WillBuracas]

Thank you. I’ve just felt hope. You do exist.👊🇨🇦

[@lefantomer]

Rand grew up under Russian Marxism. She not only predicted, she remembered because she could see the storm approaching where others saw only fair weather.

[@officerdoofy7376]

*The road to hell is paved with good intentions*

[@dalimilmatousek4074]

The road to hell is also paved by the fear of opportunity and freedom of others.

[@dalimilmatousek4074]

@David Sanchez absolutely.

[@xenophonicus]

Special Reserve Officer Doofy so what’s the road to hell paved with? Gold? Great, the world is on its way to hell!!

[@mammon_is_god]

Greed and endless hatred aren't good intentions.

[@officerdoofy7376]

@@xenophonicus some wizard of oz shit right there. Where does the yellow brick road lead to? Who is behind the curtain?

[@johngalt3035]

Life, Liberty & Private Property.

[@rodneyoneil2812]

Man That last one was fucked up

[@johnnynick6179]

@@rodneyoneil2812 So you don't own any private property? Are you typing on a computer at a public library? Are you on a phone owned by a government bureaucrat? You don't want private property for others....but for yourself it's OK. Hypocrite much?

[@couchwarrior2449]

On life support these days.

[@dalemarshall8662]

"Before you can do for others, you must first be a person who can do". "Nature, to be commanded, must first be obeyed". "Reality is real, and existence, exists". This is all she's really saying. It is, most emphatically, a moral issue. Most people reject the objective, and spend their lives in wishful thinking. Consumption, before production, is the norm and is destroying the "noblest nation on earth".

[@Baker.Matthew]

Im still waiting for our billionaires to start feeding, housing and educating our poor. Guess we just need to wait till we have trillionaires for that.

[@oksanagilroy1950]

@erni muja debt! Not dept...its debt

[@lillyCfields]

@@Baker.Matthew They're not obligated to, nor am I or anyone else. I have fed the poor on my own, and your more than welcome to as well. Socialism is lazy charity at best.

[@ttthttpd]

@@Baker.Matthew Bezos giving $100M this year to non profits to fight homelessness, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (the largest private foundation in the world) giving billions to fight extreme poverty, not to mention all the thousands upon thousands of scholarships available sponsored by individuals, foundations, and corporations. Yeah, rich people never try to help the less fortunate. /s You clearly didn't even try and are just regurgitating propaganda.

[@Baker.Matthew]

ttthttpd these are just pennies.

[@stephenknizek2651]

I don’t care that Bioshock tried to parody Ayn Rand’s speech, I appreciate both Bioshock and Rand.

[@mayac.1345]

I learned about Ayn Rand from watching the philosophy of Bioshock.

[@thecrimsonfire4921]

Maya C. Same. Bioshock introduced me to a new philosophy that has changed my outlook on life, if not solidified my current thoughts. I game gave me access to the biggest philosophical epiphany in my life. Hahah I love Bioshock

[@qrit91]

The voice actor of Andrew Ryan is absolutely spot on perfect! And ofcourse i learned about Ayn Rand in Bioshock 1.

[@dalton8281]

Same. It's kind of ironic; the creators of BioShock probably wanted to critique Rand, but in the process, they have introduced thousands of people who never would've known about her.

[@1godlessmonkey]

I know more people that were introduced to Ayn Rand by Bioshock than the Ayn Rand Institute.

[@mikelosinger7469]

This should be required viewing in our public high schools. Actually, also in all colleges, and universities that receives taxpayers money.

[@g0679]

mike losinger The corporations that don’t have their profits taxed... They’ve read it.

[@simplejack6016]

No, Ayn Rand AND Karl Marx should be taught in order encourage as much free thought as possible!

[@breed4659]

Yeah it should be. So our kids can see what a nutjob this lady is and never accept socialism/communism.

[@g0679]

B Reed I used to live on a commune. We grew wonderful vegetables.

[@runtoth3abyss]

It has been viewed and Ayn Rand isn't taken seriously in those circles because people have a broader education and see the failing of her thought.

[@natashanarushev3450]

I'm surprised KZbin hasn't condemmed this. Excellent What she said.

[@doomburger8433]

Natasha Narushev I didn’t get any ads on the video. It’s probably demonetized

[@boffeycn]

That post tells us you are an idiot.

[@DrMackSplackem]

​ @wong Every post you have posted tells all readers the same about yourself.

[@AndreS_-df2nw]

'You don't win a war by dying for your country, you win it by making the other bastard die for his!'

[@couchwarrior2449]

General George Patton said it best. He also said " we defeated the wrong enemy" after WW2.

[@tankerjag2278]

She was brilliant. I don't agree with all of what she says, but I do with most.

[@roar40s]

What don't you agree with?

[@roar40s]

@@EXCEDRIN10 Woah

[@haroldthomas1576]

I am a Christian and it doesn't homogenize well. From a HUMAN standpoint it is very solid. The principles are solid in almost all other areas though....

[@tomvandepol4446]

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.” ~ 𝐴𝑦𝑛 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑑

[@itsobvious5835]

The fact that only 17000 people have viewed this in over 2 1/2 years is tragic. Every person should watch this.

[@gotetyaditya5171]

Every person is not capable to get here and then even he gets here.. he might not be capable to understand. Which is why there are only 1% of the people in this world who move the world forward.

[@gmilitaru]

In one year, the number increased by 12,000. Not enough. On the one hand, Ayn Rand makes things harder for herself. Without some von Mises, Rothbard or at least von Hayek, Arthur Block, or in my case: Alain Besançon, The Federalist writers, it is very hard to understand what she has to say. She deliberately mirrors the communist movement, of course righting everything that is wrong there, and this is not a mistake as such, but makes access to the objectivist message more difficult: because of terminology, because of the initiatic effort required to decrypt them. Heck, it was difficult to understand the much more down to earth and concrete message of Radio Free Europe when I lived in a communist country. I was looking for solutions at George Orwell, - a tragic man with no solutions to share, Solzhenitsyn, another great man, with the wrong solutions, actually with dystopians or with the local 19th century local classical liberals. The key issue is that we are born with feelings, we are born with the basics of selfishness imprinted in us by the selfish gene. Freedom, personal responsibility for one's life, the sacred nature of each commitment we make, are things each generation, each of us must learn, often as an exercise in reshaping our feelings, our emotional nature to comply with the objective purpose of our individual life. Learning and teaching are things we all need to do or our fellow humans, our children would lose the gains of reason. If an entire generation fails to learn, the entire mankind devolves into barbarity.

[@jossaha]

Hahahahaha! You know with this title I was hoping for a high-powered debate. Disappointed.

[@wmike8162]

They are busy hearing that, billionaires who pay their taxes for them, are freeloaders. That anyone who drinks public water or uses public roads owes all their success to government. They are watching pinheads like OAC and Harris and Booker talk like utter blatherskites.

[@angelarizona622]

Truly. And every person should also read her book Anthem. . . But sadly, I dont think society can get past the instant gratification mindset.. the simple superficial reality that is grossly real is the common ground. Hhhhmmmm...

[@billy947]

who's here in 2020?

[@canelamckee54able]

I say she had a lasting impact on my belief system. Her ideas are perfect for a federal economy.

[@Sum1BetrThanU1]

Canela History her ideas ignore the existence of a propaganda model, scales of economy, monopoly and the ignorance of organizations towards their externalities. She also assumes the truth of original sin which is just like cmon bitch... you’re really gunna use the beliefs of some century old, women hating epileptics to support your reasoning??

[@eastonwilliams1722]

@@Sum1BetrThanU1 Monopolies wouldn't be a problem if people pulled their heads out of their ass and did some research or at least have reasoning capabilities.

[@soapbxprod]

I've watched this 15 times at least over the past 30 years... Ayn Rand is a freaking genius on par with the greatest philosophers of Western history. Takes your breath away every time... what a brain and what a heart!

[@soapbxprod]

Jaime Anderson YOU ARE a Condemned Man.

[@duran6974]

think again with your brain! the monopoly capitalistic game is rigged ! altruism is not socialism ! in fact today the unearned is taken every second 24/7 , 365 days per year ! she, ann rand, survived the russian revolution and escaped russia so she is describing communism at its worst. meanwhile we know our trickle down (crumbs) economy is a fraud. while socialism is not communism ! in fact the constitution itself is a socialist document created to protect the people against the hypocrisy and exploitation of the 1%. to give in to the 1% is in short communism and collectivism at the same time = the end of mankind and the destruction of a social community (a human family) which gives meaning to life. the state=the people "we" shall protect ourselves the 99% vs the 1%. otherwise this corrupted 1% will enslave as they are doing the 99% w/out them even realizing it . fact. the State does not have to be invasive has to be just and limit ultra-capitalism. I agree w/her only on one ground. it is a moral issue. morality is dignity and dignity cannot be achieved when you are depending financially on a corrupted 1%. fact. the state "we" have been infiltrated by revolving doors and is used against the 99%. who is the immoral today? what is the american way of life?

[@richcampus]

Be your own Ayn Rand. ~●~

[@kevinpoole4323]

soapbxprod no

[@72marshflower15]

actually, ayn rand is spot on backwards which is typical of conservatism itself... oh, and she also plagiarized her works from others...

[@clifton1943]

The ideals of freedom and individual rights had become so obvious during the 1960s as presented by the "Objectivists" it is now unbelievable that we are fighting for these ideals again. It would seem that the ideals of free market must be fought in every generation ! Like the very Constitution of the United States, capitalism (free market) has been hated by political controllers from the beginning. Ayn Rand is not dead and will teach another generation of the truth.

[@LucisFerre1]

This was recorded in 1961, and I can't think of a more timely and contemporary and vitally important message in regard to today's chaotic political landscape.

[@johndowns3839]

Yes lets reduce reality to two diametrically-polarized gross oversimplifications. Then keep beating that primitive caricature into the ground until people are convinced it encompasses the whole of reality. Kinda like the way religious fundamentalists have since the beginning of time.

[@betathebuddha5957]

@@johndowns3839 butthurt much?

[@thomasfoolery5031]

😂 what? I have never heard any mainstream politicians advocate for social ownership of the means of production. There is HARDLY any mainstream socialists, let alone communists. What a strawman

[@meredithleavitt5815]

Important? Lol I'd hardly call the rambling of a psychotic senile old witch important

[@meredithleavitt5815]

@@betathebuddha5957 who the fuck uses terms like fukn butthurt? U incel weirdo lol

[@DonCarlosHormozi]

Her greatest contribution was a warning to us.

[@damastor918]

I am ashamed to admit that I have only discovered her recently

[@peggyfranzen6159]

I am going to read Miss Rand's favorite book " Calumet K." Thank you Miss Rand for your honesty, and great writing.

[@finpro942]

12:00 she is so spot on about the Conservatives and statists

[@RubyTwilite]

Its like she's reaching forward in time and warning us. Eerie!

[@sicnarf423]

@Star Trek Theory have you any examples in the bible? Intresting comment.

[@Jaywalker978]

It’s interesting that you think Rand’ version of selfishness from a governmental perspective goes against the Bible. She believes that governmental socialism is evil. It’s basic premise is that you take from someone to give to someone else. It’s absolutely immoral. Biblical socialism (from the New Testament) is entered into of ones own free will and compels no one else to join. I seriously doubt Rand would be against this. As, you don’t see her campaigning against monasteries...which is the same basic premise.

[@RubyTwilite]

@@Jaywalker978 Hi, I said nothing about the bible. The bible has nothing to do with my comment. My comment was that what she is talking about seems to be happening in today's politics.

[@Jaywalker978]

Ruby Twilite i was replying to the startrek guy on this thread. Guess I forgot to @ them

[@robertsnell9404]

@Star Trek Theory that's why Jesus believed in charity through voluntaryism. Socialism is done through threat of force= EVIL..

[@libertybelle371]

In the 1990s, a survey by the Library of Congress named Atlas Shrugged as the most influential book in the US, after the Bible.

[@frederickfarias9515]

Magnanimous commentary on politics and ethics espoused magnificently.

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

Altruism is wrong when it is imposed upon the individualism by the government. Like religion, it must be embraced voluntarily.

[@angelarizona622]

I do agree

[@g0679]

David Smith Same with paying income tax. Just ask the board members of corporations that aren’t paying any.

[@mytimebox1]

This aged well

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

The individual who is moved by altruistic instincts to voluntarily share his or her wealth to assist others cannot be in a position to do so if they had not thought of their own financial security and well being first. The poor person cannot help their poor neighbor if they are in the same economic position as the neighbor. And this could be considered selfishness in the very positive definition. I would love to give more to deserving charities but the government claims too much of my money. True charity is voluntary and not a result of government coercion. The new left wants the government to be responsible for assisting those in need but wants it to come from the wealthy. When the wealthy run out of money, give up making it or leave the country, they may change their thinking. They claim that they love the Scandinavian model but the reality of 50 to 60% income tax may make them a bit more selfish.

[@g0679]

David Smith Perhaps that’s why middle and lower classes donate to food banks, while the wealthy donate to art galleries. Top tax rates in the US exceeded 90% numerous times during the 1950s. Scandinavians have a terrible quality of life, don’t they?

[@markray6113]

David Smith look up the tax’s under the FDR administration it will give you a new understanding of how a 60% tax rate will not only help the poor but the country as a whole

[@markray6113]

60% rate on the corporate entities and rich not the tax rate for everyone*

[@Baker.Matthew]

Nice Guy Eddie i guess a universal basic income would take the power away from the politicians and directly help the poor.

[@Baker.Matthew]

Nice Guy Eddie i think the few people with 80% of all the money could find a place in their budgets to fund Ubi. But why would they? They already have the power, they own the government, there is no motivation to making employees lives betters. Sure, an employee could start their our own business and try to become a capitalist, but it would be impossible for everyone to do that not matter how smart and hard working everyone was. Industrialization and automation have made it that instead of needing 1,000 of businesses to service humanity, we need only a few. The majority of our population will be employees and If the basic costs of living are out pacing the wages being given, there is a problem our system has not been addressing.

[@omkardubey8654]

The most impactful philopher in mordern history

[@nezargatere4710]

Wisest woman ever

[@annenymety209]

A true prophet.

[@BinanceUSD]

Well said Ayn!!!

[@hiruharada2650]

It seems eerie that I saw this now.

[@lookingtojesus2537]

Same

[@brendamurphy5590]

Amen

[@southforest2996]

The absence of logical thinkers and the mainstream censorship of opposing ideas/general public opinion, along with our gradual acquiescence of it, has ruined American culture

[@emocuta]

I ❤️Ayn 🙌🏼🇺🇸

[@rogueone8194]

What essay did this come from?

[@deepaksrivastava1825]

i love her.........rare human being with true brilliance and intelligence.......

[@abrahamfroman246]

English as a second (or third or fourth) language, and she saw the future 😍

[@CocoXLarge]

Looks like this fight starts and ends with every country in every era.

[@evancisco]

Simple and concise as to the problems of the modern world. She wrote this in 1961. Awesome!!!!! Thanks Ayn Rand.

[@jeremias-serus]

@Star Trek Theory How does it feel to know that both Leftists and pro-Capitalists hate you? Filthy bigot

[@dcal2455]

In the 70s a group in Calgary, Alberta gave Atlas Shrugged copies to every 1st year university student. This should be given to every 1st year university student in America. Perhaps it could be done with crowd sourcing.

[@xeserupseinopelttil4574]

WOW! Resort to capitalism to spread your stupid propaganda.

[@williamchiafos4884]

Is this why things are amok now ?

[@dcal2455]

@@williamchiafos4884 Perhaps. The political left hadn't yet infiltrated the education system in the 70s

[@williamchiafos4884]

@@dcal2455 sure they had. Don't be nieve. The Lefts assault started right after WW2

[@dcal2455]

True but not to the degree they have now.

[@wesleywarsmith1113]

Capitalism good or bad ( it can be both) at least there are "Choices" you can CHOOSE freely on what to do. Communism is Forced. Nobody chooses that or they would have done so already. It takes a authoritarian government to initiate it- Thus making it wrong .

[@thomassmestead6424]

Communism, fascism, and socialism, can only come into being through authoritarian means, and can only continue to exist by the use of force and control.

[@thomassmestead6424]

I see that you have read Mao. The quote about the barrel of a gun. Mao was very astute, though I think less a total Marxist, and rather more, a Chinese nationalist at heart. But he was astute in that he recognized that when people cannot settle their differences with words, they will inevitably turn to force. In that sense, Mao was very astute about the basic nature of the human condition, much more so than Marx.

[@thomassmestead6424]

@Star Trek Theory I call that "enlightened evolution ".

[@solidus3168]

Comrade Avante name the armed conflict for capitalism in the US.

[@solidus3168]

Star Trek Theory there is a saying in Muslim countries: Women are for children, boys are for fun. Sounds manly right?

[@mikewooderson2917]

Genius... Pure genius.

[@SpacePatrollerLaser]

When this speech was givin, it waould be 7 years before I would have any significant contact with the ideas of Miss Rand. At this time, I was in High School: De La Salle Academy, Nweport RI. What was being taught as the good was "pragmatic capitalism": Actually a precominantly capitalist mixed economy backed by Pragmatism. "Because it worked best" However what was meant by "worked" was not stated explicitly. Pragmatism, by that time, said "do what works" but no definition of "what works". That capitalism "worked" by fostering production was said. As a proof of what she preached here. Our Imsmellygentsia is busy trying to abolish the value of capitalism in the US, demonstrating the power of philosophy, specifically Ethics She mentions the Objectivist Newsletter. If this is a 1961 speech and form what I know, tON was first published in 1962 unless I missed something

[@kellygraham4451]

When this speech was given, I wasn't even born.

[@eitanschulman1]

Does anybody know where I can find transcripts?

[@josephjasen1293]

איתן שולמן I don't mind writing it out for you my friend

[@SpaceCoffee700]

@Star Trek Theory get a job

[@SpaceCoffee700]

Get fucked

[@peterpresutti4064]

I don't think anyone else today would have the courage to say this she was a profit

[@Marco-er4ql]

Peter Presutti idk if you’re using profit as a pun or you really don’t know how to spell prophet

[@chinadog5380]

The last book I ever read in high school was Anthem, one of the best books I’ve ever read, never give up your individuality!

[@ReclanAnderson]

Unfortunate that you stopped reading so soon

[@DrMackSplackem]

As a book written in the first-third person, Anthem is sort of in its own literary class.

[@mutantos6778]

"Greatest service to society is to fight for your own rights and property" We shall have this written on every wall in every city

[@cath3638]

Brilliant. And so pertinent, so prophetic.

[@andy52709]

I find it ironic that she collected on social services when she was no longer able to capitalize on bashing socialism/communism. Anyone else? No?...

[@thebob2751]

Don't you know Ayn Rand cultists love SS and medicare now. LOL

[@tooblessed7776]

Whiteman social security is not a hand out when people have put money in all their lives. While there was still the choice to opt out of the program three counties in Texas did opt out of the program. That money was kept in their own names by the county and invested much more wisely. Those people today get much much more than the meager sums handed out by the Federal Government’s SS program. Last I read about it many are receiving about the amount of their salary before they retired. Back when more was going in than out, Our illustrious federal government decided they could dip into it after the Vietnam war to pay off war debt.

[@lbear3321]

You have a point! Stop all of it!

[@stanleyroper5942]

Thank You

[@robertschaeffer5861]

Ms. Rand hit a lot of minds in the sixties

[@madhukarreddy712]

Still many misunderstanding the real meaning of all the above, great vdo

[@AntonySammeroff]

awesome talk

[@edelman8829]

“The only thing the Bolsheviks did wrong was give Ayn Rand an education.” -Jean Paul Sartre

[@willm200]

Edel Man I think I speak for every communist when I say no one really cares what she did with her education

[@gilianrampart8514]

@@willm200 Very Ignorant disposition, but I guess it goes with your territory!

[@dlane7862]

Will M so you openly admit to being a piece of shit? Wow

[@umanathannerul7512]

The philosophy of Jean Paul Sartre is now non-existent and when it existed, it existed in the minds of a few thousands of asinine minds. I wonder if that pseudo philosopher can ever be compared to the revered Ayn Rand! In fact Ayn Rand should be sitting a bit higher plane philosophically than any pseudo philosopher of 20th century!

[@alexanderscott2456]

Fake quote

[@smcracraft]

I am VERY fond of AR's novel The Fountainhead. Here's a good scene of Gary Cooper doing the summation of why he did what he did, from the film. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaiYinR5gM6Dd80

[@boataxe4605]

Both systems result in a small percentage of the people controlling the majority of the wealth.

[@nole8923]

Jeffrey Hinkel You are either stupid or a sociopath. Unbridled capitalism leads to slavery.

[@restingdickface8173]

But the total amount of wealth available is not at all the same. That should be the main point.

[@killerrf]

nole 89 how does it lead to slavery?

[@Malikk5251]

Instead of cloning ancient animals, they should clone her.

[@tdub1941]

Simply astonishing. Her reasoning is impeccable. Tom Warner

[@benangel3268]

So we can sacrifice our lives in war which cause unbelievable suffering and problems. We cannot fight against poverty and homelessness. Communism and socialism will always be there because Everything in Life has an opposite side of a coin. Moderate capitalsim and more people will accept it and less people will switch to the other side. The opposition will less intense since there is less to oppose.

[@LucisFerre1]

Ben Angel, Poverty is not lack of money, and it's certainlly not lack of other people's money. Lack of wealth is only a symptom of poverty. Poverty is not knowing how to create and keep one's own wealth. And the best way to create personal wealth is via free trade, the personal ownership of the means of production, and a government that secures individual rights, especially property rights. The latter of course being capitalism, which is not merely an economic system but rather a social system. That is, it's social, political and economic. Cronyism isn't the result of lack of government moderation, its the result of government interference in the affairs of free people and free trade.

[@benangel3268]

If there were one hundred people in a room and enough food for one hundred people there would those who would take far far more than their fair share. These same people are often the same people to go on the attack when somebody points out that the world cannot work this way.

[@benangel3268]

I think you mean that some people who have the wealth should have the right to privately own the means of production. The vast majority of people do not have the means ito do this for a wide variety of reasons. This antiquated system of course has always relied on a subordinate underclass.

[@LucisFerre1]

Ben Angel, what is your "fair share" of Apple's iPads? What is your fair share of other people's created wealth? Fair share has no rational social meaning outside the context of a small primative tribe of hunter-gatherers.

[@michaelshannon9169]

Are there any videos about whether life is worth living in any system?

[@lancewalker2595]

Viktor Frankl?

[@007ElSenor]

I read Steve Martin’s book Cruel Shoes-it changed my life.

[@PH--ov7tf]

During all of my studies on commerce, business, finance and capitalism; not once was Ayn Rand mentioned in any lecture, textbook, paper or any other source of information. The reason is that in actual finance, capitalist and business practice, she is irrelevant. However, as Ayn would say, I am proud to say that I earned my MBA in finance through my efforts and determination.

[@prdeacon974]

We don’t need her on women’s history month, we need a Ayn Rand month.

[@framerfive]

I own my life.

[@grahamdougherty226]

Love Ayn Rand. Thank you for being so right while our parents slept.

[@sharonfoley2610]

Why hasn't anyone listened to this great woman author?

[@montewright111]

Sharon Foley millions have listened to her. Where the fuck have you been hiding?

[@panzerlieb]

Monte wright more like they’ve heard. They really haven’t listened.

[@sharonfoley2610]

@@panzerlieb it's simple,straightforward and so truly commonsensical that it seems incredulous that they wouldnt

[@adventurefishing3190]

Honestly, most people are just taking up space. No care for much.

[@sharonfoley2610]

@@montewright111 u don't have to swear at me u ignoramus. I've read all of her works

[@PiedFifer]

Not only did this genius create great heroes, she had the psychological and moral insight to create great villains, so great that her enemies are stopped the minute they are confronted with their own motives accurately concretized in print.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Her prescience cannot be denied, sixty odd years on.

[@loaizacam1934]

I enjoyed the content indeed. She is a much better writer than a public speaker. God Bless Ayn Rand.

[@Justicia007]

Indeed, but I think hearing her heavy Russian accent gives even more weight to her opinion. She knows of whence she speaks.

[@portajohngalt]

"Better see the reds dead"

[@science212]

Ayn Rand, the most rational woman.

[@thedude9941]

The most stupid woman.

[@science212]

No. She was the logic itself. @@thedude9941

[@thedude9941]

@@science212 Wrong

[@science212]

No way, pal. She was the best writer in America. America is Ayn Rand. @@thedude9941

[@bdalton1943]

forever brilliant, forever right

[@ableasdale2000]

The world would be different if all university students were asked to read Ayn Rand, and not just Karl Marx.

[@oldboy9267]

They do?

[@oldboy9267]

I am phil grad and I've never read marx actually. But I have read Rand!

[@angelbarajas9180]

@@oldboy9267 My uncle said he read Marx but not Rand (But he's politically Independent)

[@npc0168]

A beautiful mind.

[@nothulkhogan7666]

Did this happen before Reagan's a time for choosing speech or after?

[@jwilly40]

20yrs earlier

[@nothulkhogan7666]

@@jwilly40 thanks

[@carlosayala8171]

I am in awe over what I'm hearing.absolute eureka bedrock.I have a long road to apply my self to this.but I want to.I must.I have to.Im reading the fountainhead as I write this.I have a long road ahead of me but I'm hell bent now.

[@johnnynick6179]

Hey Carlos. It's been about a year since you wrote this comment. I hope you followed through and continued reading Ayn Rand's books. We all need to understand the morality of these ideas in order to defend ourselves against those who want to enslave us.

[@ClericChris]

My favorite woman.

[@nascar0509]

We will fight for your memory and all like you that have past before us to our last breath!

[@JeffaHensley]

Wow, way to slavishly “think for yourself”,...

[@montewright111]

Ian Paling ....all like you WHO have PASSED..... My dad was her proof reader. I couldn’t resist. 😝

[@DemandAlphabetBeBrokenUp]

....after hand adjustment number 4. I realized her mistake. There's no conflict because a heart or soul is a horrible mathematician. So the alternatives are in capable of true altruism. So it's just a matter shedding that myth and argument against the propaganda.

[@russianfolktales3641]

Fountain head written in beautiful English

[@jhljhl6964]

This reminds me of Aristotle.

[@nascar0509]

Her teachings and warnings are likely more pertinent today than ever before!

[@ronmc1677]

I need to get my hands on all her books! This woman speaks so much wisdom and her words are so prophetic! Look at the times we live in today, with America's self-esteem almost dashed to pieces and the national morale at an all time low - all brought on by slowly, deviously creeping communism from the fringes, that started like a slow leak and is now threatening to collapse the whole nation... Scary!

[@khanhbq]

00:37 what dis she mean "the remnants of the noblest system ever created by man in the history". Can anyone explain for me?

[@zhengyangwu8289]

I guess she means that USA is today a remnant of the original USA designed by the American founders.

[@khanhbq]

@@zhengyangwu8289 I get it thank you vm

[@taoistbootcamp14]

Gold

[@bart-v]

Galt?