I did not know the author or her works at all, thanks for pointing them out. A quick glance over wikipedia reveals a lot of interesting subjects. I will read more about them next month when I have some time. I wonder what she had to say about monopolies though. She was a contemporary of the breaking up of the Standard Oil company.
Ayn Rand has been an incredible influence on my life. People still refuse to believe they are in control of their own happiness, future, and love. Unfortunately most think that Big Brother will give them what they need to survive. Oh well, Atlas Shrugged is a behemoth undertaking btw, well over 1000 pages and typically a bit 'dry'. But worth every page.
I've yet to sit down and read Atlas Shrugged but I've read some of her philosophical writings and she's got some very interesting views. Atlas Shrugged is one of those books I know I will read eventually.. Just not now.