Kindle Price: $9.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $14.30

Save: $11.64 (81%)

eBook features:
  • Highlight, take notes, and search in the book
  • In this edition, page numbers are just like the physical edition
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Ayn Rand
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Philosophy: Who Needs It Kindle Edition

by Ayn Rand (Author), Leonard Peikoff (Introduction) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 461 ratings
See all formats and editions
This collection of essays was the last work planned by Ayn Rand before her death in 1982. In it, she summarizes her view of philosophy and deals with a broad spectrum of topics.

 According to Ayn Rand, the choice we make is not whether to have a philosophy, but which one to have: rational, conscious, and therefore practical; or contradictory, unidentified, and ultimately lethal.

Written with all the clarity and eloquence that have placed Ayn Rand’s Objectivist philosophy in the mainstream of American thought, these essays range over such basic issues as education, morality, censorship, and inflation to prove that philosophy is the fundamental force in all our lives.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. ISBN-13
    978-0451138934
  2. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  3. Publisher
    Signet
  4. Publication date
    July 31, 2009
  5. Part of series
    Ayn Rand Library
  6. Language
    English
  7. File size
    2062 KB
  8. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
All 4 for you in this series See full series
See included books
Total Price: $51.96
By clicking on above button, you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like Philosophy: Who Needs It
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. Philosophy: Who Needs It
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
  5. Ayn Rand Library    4 book series
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

''Although this omnibus volume. . . is written for an audience of believers, readers unfamiliar with [Rand's] novels might find it a useful starting point.'' --Publishers Weekly

''Ayn Rand's writings have altered and shaped the lives of millions. This selection of essays is an example of her best.'' --Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank

''Although this omnibus volume. . . is written for an audience of believers, readers unfamiliar with [Rand's] novels might find it a useful starting point.'' --Publishers Weekly

For those who want to understand the philosophic implications of our era, this collection by Ayn Rand is an excellent place to begin. --Richmond News-Leader

For those who want to understand the philosophic implications of our era, this collection by Ayn Rand is an excellent place to begin. --Richmond News-Leader

About the Author

Born February 2, 1905, Ayn Rand published her first novel, We the Living, in 1936. Anthem followed in 1938. It was with the publication of The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957) that she achieved her spectacular success. Rand’s unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience. The fundamentals of her philosophy are put forth in three nonfiction books, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, The Virtues of Selfishness, and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. They are all available in Signet editions, as is the magnificent statement of her artistic credo, The Romantic Manifesto.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002JPGQ2A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Signet (July 31, 2009)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 31, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2062 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0451138937
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 461 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Ayn Rand's first novel, We the Living, was published in 1936, followed by Anthem. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved spectacular and enduring success. Rand's unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience and maintains a lasting influence on popular thought. The fundamentals of her philosophy are set forth in such books as Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, The Virtue of Selfishness, Capitalism: the Unknown Ideal, and The Romantic Manifesto. Ayn Rand died in 1982.

(Image reproduced courtesy of The Ayn Rand® Institute)

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
461 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Andy George
5.0 out of 5 stars Answer: Everyone Needs Philosophy
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2012
Verified Purchase
One of my favorites of Rand's non-fiction books. It was compiled mostly from her newsletter, The Ayn Rand Letter, right before the end of her life and shows her rallying yet again to present her thoughts in a very clear and concise overview of, "the supremacy of reason". I particularlly like chapter 4, "The Missing Link" about the anti-conceptual mentality and it's roots. And chapter 7, "Faith and Force: The Destroyers of the Modern World". Also chapter 13, "The Stimulus and the Repsonse" about "Beyond Freedom and Dignity" by BF Skinner who was declared the world's leading intellectual influnece during my public high school education, most unfortunately, while Rand herself was banished. Rand's clarity of mind, precision with concepts, and specific use of words is extraordinarily sharp here as she debunks one philosophical fallacy after another. She's highly consistent throughout this book as she addresses many of the fundamental moral issues that still remained with regard to a better understanding of her Objectivist philosophy. This' her last and final appraisal of our culture and it also shows her eloborating her essential arguments on what she still considered the most important issues.
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Elijah Logozar
5.0 out of 5 stars ayn rand tends to have reasons
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
therefore i bet this book will be a worthwhile read for me
Helpful
 Report
Brad
5.0 out of 5 stars First Step
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is the best starting point if you want to understand Objectivism. I do not agree with everything Ayn Rand ever said, but I do agree with a lot of it. I studied her philosophy for a number of years and researched many of her critics--of which there is no shortage. I have never found a legitimate argument against her philosophical ideas. I do not agree with her on the death penalty or gay marriage, but those topics are not something she spent much time convincing people of because it was more of an opinion than a search for or discovery of truth. The only counterpoints I have seen on her philosophy were bogus--they were all arguing with straw men and patting themselves on the back for being so clever. There are three camps of Ayn Rand critics: those who haven't understood her, ad hominem, and those who are simply wrong. Nathaniel Branden's criticism of Objectivism wasn't released until 1984 almost two years after her death. I think it's because he knew she would have taken his lunch money and gave him a wedgie. If I can refute every point he made with ease, she would have made it look like an art form.
I think some people are intimidated by her staunch rationality, her black and white thinking. Ayn Rand's writing perspective (her voice) is very strong: some folks take it to mean "I am right and you are wrong!" She was a severe rationalist, so people more attuned to their feelings and emotions will have more trouble accepting her ideas; while fellow rationalists will absorb it and relate far more readily.
Here's a free one: she never said to repress emotions. She said they are not good indicators for making choices. Of course if you're deciding what color bridesmaid dresses to get for your wedding, go ahead and think about it with your emotions--I'm sure green does make you FEEL different than brown. However, if you are investing in a company or signing a congressional act into law, for god-sake, don't let it be swayed by the color of the logo or how it makes you feel--it should be an act of the rational mind weighing all the concretes.
If you read this book with the intent of acquiring knowledge, you will not be disappointed. There are not many books I can point to and sincerely say that it "changed my life," but this is one of them.
38 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
AMeador1
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book - very worth reading!
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2014
Verified Purchase
After reading Atlas Shrugged and finding an author and philosophy that fit my personal morality and basic premises of thought - I needed to know and understand more. Ayn Rand is putting a technical understanding to my way of life and thinking... It is very refreshing and inspiring to find such eloquent explanations and theory to a system that I had simply assumed because it felt right. Without the technical foundation, I frequently come to the same conclusions and ends, but the journey has been more difficult. I feel like her life study of putting together her philosophy of Objectivism is helping to clarify my own thoughts and reasoning - so that the path of my journey is being clarified. It is also an excellent lesson that gives me a better way to express my core logic and thoughts to others more effectively - hopefully to combat the many issues we are facing today!
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Erich Mistrik
4.0 out of 5 stars Challenging
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2012
Verified Purchase
I like Ayn Rand's philosophy as it was expressed in her novels very much but this is another case. In this selection of articles, discussions and essays A. R. shows what philosophy is about. If you are philosopher, you could find some challenging ideas here. If you are not, you could start to trust in philosophy after reading this volume. A. R. argues ambisiously that everybody either needs philosophy or has his/her personal philosophy already developed. Philosophy in Rand's meaning is something deeply rooted in our everydays lives. Still, she does not consider philosophy just generalizations arising from hurly-burly of everyday lives. She offers another picture of philosophy - it is serious way of thinking on what we strive for, on our needs, on our likes and dislikes, etc. Such a philosophy is serious enterprise - and can be very helpful to everybody, as A. R. argues.
Tha essays includes into this volume also throw light to some parts of her novels. I would suggest reading both of them, novels and this "Philosophy". At least try to read this volume shortly after reading her Atlas Shrugged.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Miguel Loureiro
5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
Recommended by Yaron Brook in his podcast, this collection of essays is deep and thought provoking. Although it pertains mostly to US, it’s philosophical lessons and implications can be extrapolated to other places and times. Rands writing is clear, precise, piercing. Still chewing on it.

Great read
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Maria
4.0 out of 5 stars Óptimo
Reviewed in Spain on February 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Corresponde ao descrito
Report
Bernardo
5.0 out of 5 stars Genial
Reviewed in Mexico on August 30, 2018
Verified Purchase
Ayn Rand identifica los principios detrás de las ideas que se mueven en los círculos intelectuales de Estados Unidos.
Saludos.
Report
Jayaprakash
5.0 out of 5 stars The magical reality
Reviewed in India on February 20, 2017
Verified Purchase
A must read book for all the younger generation ... It portrays the philosophy in a magical way. You would love it if you pick this ...
8 people found this helpful
 Report
Jools
5.0 out of 5 stars If you feel like a boat adrift in a sea of other people's ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2015
Verified Purchase
If you feel like a boat adrift in a sea of other people's ideas, start here. When you have read only a few pages of Rand's work, even though you may agree or disagree with her philosophy, you close the book and find you view the world around you in totally different ways.
4 people found this helpful
 Report
Mohammad Reza
5.0 out of 5 stars excelent condition
Reviewed in Canada on December 7, 2013
Verified Purchase
the book is absolutely in a very good condition (good as new indeed) and I really enjoy reading it. n
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report