Atlas Shrugged furthers the theme of individualism that Ayn Rand developed in The Fountainhead. In Atlas Shrugged, she shows that without the independent mind, our society would collapse into primitive savagery. Atlas Shrugged is an impassioned defense of the freedom of mans mind.

What is the story behind Atlas Shrugged?

Atlas Shrugged is a 1957 novel by Ayn Rand. The book explores a number of philosophical themes from which Rand would subsequently develop Objectivism. In doing so, it expresses the advocacy of reason, individualism, and capitalism, and depicts what Rand saw to be the failures of governmental coercion.

Why did Ayn Rand write Atlas Shrugged?

Following the 1943 publication of The Fountainhead, Rand attempted to write a nonfiction treatise on her moral philosophy, but abandoned the attempt in favor of writing Atlas Shrugged. She wanted to define the philosophical premises that would make such a character possible.

What is Rearden Steel?

Rearden metal is a fictitious metal alloy invented by Hank Rearden. It is lighter than traditional steel but stronger, and is to steel what steel was to iron. It is described as greenish-blue. Among its ingredients are iron and copper.