The Ayn Rand Institute

ARI fosters a growing awareness, understanding and acceptance of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, in order to create a culture whose guiding principles are reason, rational self-interest, individualism and laissez-faire capitalism­­ — a culture in which individuals are free to pursue their own happiness.

How? Our strategy, priorities and programs are informed by Rand’s distinctive view of what sets the direction of a society. It is not the latest election results or media celebrities but the philosophic ideas that shape men’s choices and actions.

Ayn Rand's Philosophy

To advance Objectivism, ARI focuses on areas that have a long-term multiplying impact on the direction of our culture — notably, education and policy debates.

The education system, from grade school to academia, conveys the basic ideas through which people try to make sense of their lives and the world. Engage students, educators, scholars — and you can achieve large scale and enduring influence.

Look closer at public policy, beyond sound bites and election cycles, and you’ll find fundamental moral ideas that frame crucial debates. Reframe those debates in line with the principles of rational egoism and individual rights — and you help lay the foundations of a free society.

THE FOUNDING OF ARI

“The Ayn Rand Institute began operation on February 1, 1985. Its formation was due primarily to the efforts of philosopher Leonard Peikoff, Ayn Rand's legal and intellectual heir, and businessman Ed Snider, owner of the Philadelphia Flyers and other business enterprises. Dr. Peikoff provided the intellectual foundation, and Mr. Snider provided the original impetus and the business expertise. Both men wanted a base from which to advance the philosophy of Objectivism." (Impact, newsletter of the Ayn Rand Institute, Vol. 1, No. 1, Dec. 1985.)