Ayn Rand interview.

Ayn Rand Animated Interview.


Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a well-known Russian émigré who became a best-selling author/philosopher. She espoused what might crudely be termed ultra-libertarianism ("Objectivism"). She wrote "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead," which were turned into films and Broadway plays, and authored the catchphrase "Who is John Galt." Among many other things, she was a critic of modern architecture and felt that people were responsible for their own actions and welfare and should not rely upon others.


In this recently animated interview from PBS digital studios stemming from February 1959, shortly after the publication of the well-received "Atlas Shrugged," Mike Wallace of CBS News presses Ayn on the nature of love and her own marriage and how they fit into her philosophy. He perhaps was trying to pin down an internal contradiction to her philosophy, but if so, he was completely ineffective. Ayn either was well-prepared or intellectually nimble, because she responded with a clear position in accordance with her underlying beliefs that appeared to take Wallace a bit by surprise. It is a smart, snappy interview that remains on a high intellectual level.


Not everybody is a fan of Objectivism, just as not everyone is a fan of liberalism, conservatism, Marxism, Socialism, and a lot of other 'isms.' However, Rand's philosophy struck a chord with many people, and it remains popular with many people to this day. I will warn you, though, that brilliant as her writing may be, her books (which I have read) are extremely long and dense and often not the most exciting reading even if they are fiction with interesting narratives. She tends, as you would expect, to be polemical and argumentative, which enhances the communication of her ideas perhaps, but at the expense of what some might term 'readability.' However, there also are quite interesting fictional stretches that are captivating for any fiction lover.


" I have no faith at all. I only hold convictions."
- Ayn Rand on February 25, 1959, as told to Mike Wallace

I also have posted other animated interviews by PBS digital studios of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain and Bette Davis.

Executive Producer: David Gerlach
Animator: Patrick Smith
Audio Producer: Amy Drozdowska
Colorist: Diana Tantillo

2020