Shrugging Off Positive: Ayn Rand

When one imagines a positive person in society, many people may come to mind. Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more are positive influences on the society of the world today. A positive influence in the society is someone who lets his or her beliefs be known in a respectful way, are non-violent, and do not force opinions on anyone else. Ayn Rand is a positive influence on society because she was an author who wrote philosophical novels that showed her views in a non-violent manner, she revolutionized thought processes, advanced views of society, and remained objective, practicing objectivism.

Ayn Rand was born in Russia in a middle-class home in 1905. In 1917, the Communist party took over the government in what is called the Russian Revolution. After this, her family lived in poverty. As a child she was influenced by many philosophers and authors, one being Friedrich Nietzsche. After receiving her degree at Petrograd State University in Russia, Rand obtained a passport to Chicago to visit relatives and never returned.

A positive person will share her beliefs advocating change, but does not use threats or force. This person will use strong and vivid language, have proper etiquette, present herself in a professional manner, and be accepting of all perspectives. A positive person on society can look different to everyone, because there are so many different viewpoints on so many different topics. Generally a positive person is someone who wants to make things better for everyone as a whole, rather than for a select few. Positive influential people can also come with different professions, some can be authors, others painters or musicians, politicians or political activists. A lot of people idolize fir...

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...maining objective, practicing objectivism, Rand was the whole package. Her writing has changed lives, and will continue to do so for years. Ayn Rand is the definition of a positive influence. Everyone has their critics and everyone has made mistakes, but the legacy Ayn Rand left is not of her childhood or her affair with Nathaniel Branden, it is the masterpieces she created with words.

Works Cited

Burrus, Trevor. “Free Market Revolution: How Ayn Rand’s Ideas Can End Big Government.” CATO Journal 34.1 (2014): 185.MasterFILE Complete. Web. 27 Mar, 2014

De Jesus, Luis. "DiscoverAyn Rand." Ayn Rand. Ayn Rand Institute. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.

Myers, Ellen. "Rationalistic Solipsism: The Life and Thought of Ayn Rand."Creationism.org. Creation Social Science and Humanities Society. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged. New York, NY: Signet Classics, 1957. Print.